Chemical Grows Brain Cells?

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- It sounds like science-fiction, but researchers have identified a chemical that causes brain cells to grow.

Investigators from the University of Texas Southwestern say the substance -- known as P7C3 -- can actually make new neurons grow. They came to this conclusion after infusing 1,000 different chemicals into the brains of live mice.

"We really didn't know if the screen would turn up a favorable compound or not," Steven McKnight, from the University of Texas Southwestern, was quoted as saying. "It was blind luck."

The researchers used P7C3 in mice that were carrying a mutation, making them incapable of producing new neurons in a specific region of the brain. Not only did new neurons form, but the scientists say electrophysiological readings showed that processing in parts of the brain were restored.

"Sure enough, we had evidence that you can actually create new neurons that work," McKnight said.

Continuous treatment with P7C3 also enhanced the birth of new neurons in the animals. The investigators say their discovery could pave the way for potential new treatments for people with Alzheimer's or other neurodegenerative diseases.

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SOURCE: Cell, July 9, 2010