Researchers from my own city (St. Louis University) have discovered a particular hormone that, when manipulated, can allow disease relief directly into the brain. One of the biggest roadblocks to recovering from brain injuries is the blood-brain barrier, a sort of “gatekeeper” that keeps injurious chemicals out of the brain. Its unique construction also blocks out drugs that might be able to help in the case of brain injuries.
The researchers describe the blood brain barrier as a sort of bouncer at an exclusive nightclub. While the bouncer welcome those on the approved guest list, it looks for trouble-makers trying to crash the party, refuses to let them in and evicts them if they do get in. The researchers were able to identify the particular bouncer responsible for keeping out the hormone PACAP27, which regulates general admission. By altering a molecule, the blood brain barrier was then able to let in PACAP27. The entrance of this hormone allowed repair of damage from Alzheimer’s and strokes. Read that sentence again. They key word is repair. That means a reversal of symptoms and damage.
Right now the research is fixed on mouse brains, but the same principles will likely apply to the human brain. This research could lead to incredible advances in repairing central nervous system injuries.