Lab studies demonstrate nerve regeneration

US researchers have made a bold claim by announcing that after successful laboratory experiments, growth, repair and return of nerve cell function has been achieved. If substantiated, the discovery is set to open up a plethora of lab research avenues.

News of this latest discovery represents a new approach and one with considerable promise. While there may be some benefits to all, this approach is perhaps more significant for disorders such as diabetic neuropathy and other motor neuropathic complaints.

Scientists from the Foundation for Jacobson Resonance (FJR) have reported results from cell, mice, and human clinical case studies, which used Magnetic Resonance Therapy, (MRT).

Two studies were conducted at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and then replicated at Fairleigh Dickinson University. The studies tested the effect of Jacobson MRT magnetic fields on excised sciatic (leg) nerves of mice in-vitro (culture medium).

The healing effects of electro-magnetic fields have been known about for many decades. A great deal of research has now been done on these effects and the ideal field type, strength and duration have been refined to be used for optimal benefits in many conditions of disease and lowered immunity.

MRT has been proven to provide a regulatory effect through the autonomic nervous system, providing bone-cartilage cell stimulation. In addition, wound healing, relieving pain and improving metabolic situation in patients.

The findings showed that treated nerve segments maintained normal Schwann cells and a normal myelin sheath structure. The untreated control nerve segments simply degenerated.

Additionally, the length and width of exposed nerve segments increased, whereas the untreated nerve segments remained the same. In the first experiment, there was a 33 per cent increase in length and a 50 per cent increase in width of treated nerve segments.

Studies of DNA extracted from both treated and untreated nerve segments showed no DNA degradation, nor were there uncontrolled cell proliferation.

"These results are the first to demonstrate a biological effect of electromagnetic fields in-vivo on the restoration of sub-cellular structures required for nerve impulse conduction and metabolism in recovery from motor neuropathy, under controlled experimental conditions," said Professor Emeritus Anjali Saxena of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

After completing in-vitro studies, Professor Brij Saxena and Professor Emeritus Anjali Saxena conducted in-vivo (in the living system) studies. One study was performed at Cornell and the next replicate study with greater population of mice was accomplished at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

The effect of Jacobson's MRT magnetic fields on the restoration of forelimb grip strength and radial nerve (forelimb) ultra-structure was studied in mice. Motor neuropathy was induced by the administration of a neurotoxin (poison) in drinking water for nine and a half weeks.

Forelimb grip strength of mice declined to 47 per cent compared to the non-poisoned control group. The poisoned group without any MRT treatment persisted to have a 56 per cent decrease in grip strength, and the electron microscope photographs (see attachment) showed loss of myelin, decreased energy production of cells and fragmentation of sub-cellular structures responsible for slow and fast nerve conduction.

In contrast, the poisoned group treated with MRT (8-1/2 weeks, twice weekly) showed an 87 per cent recovery of grip strength, which was sustained after termination of treatment at an 82 per cent level until the twenty-seventh week of observation. The treated group showed remyelination, active mitochondria, and maintenance of nerve ultra-structure consistent with grip strength recovery.