PROJECT: JTC2011: GINA

When vascular disease produces a brain insult, the brain produces new cells (so called ?mother cells?) in order to try to compensate for the loss of neurons. However, these cells soon die, possibly because the area where the brain infarct occurs has not the appropriate properties for neuron correct development. We think that the implantation of artificial materials, which are compatible with biological tissues, may act as scaffolds to let the neurons survive and organize properly. They are also able to provide nourishment, since blood vessels also grow in these biomaterials. Electric stimulation has also shown to increase the production of new cells. Our hypothesis is that both measures, biomaterial implantation and electric stimulation, may increase the production of new cells, the migration of them to the lesion site, and the prolongation of the survival of those cells in the new environment provided by the biomaterials. We have constituted a consortium to implement these hypotheses. First, one group in Valencia will produce biocompatible materials. A group in Mainz will test these biomaterials in their ability to maintain these cells. Three groups in Madrid, Venezia-Padova and Toronto wil, test the implantation of these biomaterials plus the electric stimulation of the brain in animal models of vascular disease. These will lead to the proposal of clinical applications using the appropriate clinical trial procedures. In order to improve the functionality of patients affected by stroke.