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Monday, December 06, 2004PEG acts as a kind of 'molecular Band-Aid,' Borgens explained. Injury causes 'holes' in nerve cell membranes in the spinal cord. PEG seals the hole, sort of the way liquid soap creates a film on the round part of a bubble wand. That patch lets the nerve cell reconstruct itself. PEG is flushed out of the body within about two hours, Borgens said. Researchers previously had tested PEG on guinea pigs. Beginning in 2001 and through last year, research was conducted on 19 dogs that sustained severe spinal cord injuries. All of the injuries occurred in accidents, Borgens emphasized -- none of the dogs was deliberately injured for the research. In each case, the dogs were taken to their veterinarian soon after the injury and then referred to one of the participating universities. It will be a while before the stuff can be tested in people, but for now, it looks like life might get a little better for dachshunds. posted by Sydney on 12/06/2004 08:57:00 AM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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