- A spinal cord injury harms nerve signals.
- This can change heart and blood pressure.
- Scientists tested a cell transplant in rats.
- They used young nerve cells from the nervous system.
- The cells were placed at the injury site.
- After transplant, nerve control of circulation improved.
- Resting blood pressure became more stable.
- Average heart rate went down a little.
- Harmful hormones still rose after injury.
- Researchers want to protect heart and vessels.
Difficult words
- spinal cord — the bundle of nerves inside the back
- injury — damage to body tissue or nervesinjury.
- transplant — move cells or tissue to a new place
- circulation — movement of blood around the body
- hormone — a chemical signal made by the bodyhormones
- stable — not changing much over time
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had an injury?
- Do you check your blood pressure?
- Do you do anything to protect your heart?
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