MELBOURNE, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Scientists in Australia have identified the spleen as a key source of stroke inflammation, paving the way for new treatments to improve recovery and reduce long-term disability after stroke.
Researchers from Australia's La Trobe University and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute reported that the spleen actively produces inflammatory immune cells after stroke that can worsen brain injury, a statement from La Trobe University said Wednesday.
Blocking a key inflammatory signal known as S100A8/A9 in experimental models, scientists reduced brain damage by about 35 percent and improved physical recovery within 24 hours, said the findings published in Frontiers in Immunology.
"Inflammation can cause ongoing injury to the brain, even after blood flow is restored," said La Trobe University research lead Helena Kim.
"Our findings show there may be new ways to limit this damage by targeting the body's immune response. This is an early but exciting step in better treatments for stroke patients," Kim said. Stroke is a leading global cause of death and disability.
Most inflammatory immune cells originate in the spleen, making it a prime new therapeutic target, the study said, adding that targeting this pathway could complement current treatments and potentially apply to heart attacks and other vascular diseases. ■