S.A. prof patents discovery that combats brain injury

SAN ANTONIO A local cellular and structural biology professor has patented a new way to treat traumatic brain injury, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio announced Wednesday.

Professor James Lechleiter received a U.S. patent last week for his discovery that two compounds called 2-methylthio-ADP and MRS2365 stimulate the brain's caretaker cells to reduce swelling inside the skull, according to a news release. The caretaker cells are called astrocytes.

Lechleiter and associate neurosurgery professor Dr. Murat Digicaylioglu have published research that showed treating astrocytes with the two compounds in a brain-injured mouse significantly reduced swelling, according to the release. Yet-to-be-published research found similar results in human brain tissue.

With this treatment, astrocytes themselves, as well as neurons, live longer, Lechleiter said in a prepared statement. It is hoped these preliminary studies will soon lead to a new class of safe and effective drugs that can be administered if a traumatic brain injury, even a mild one, is suspected to have occurred.

jlloyd@express-news.net

Twitter: @jlloydster

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S.A. prof patents discovery that combats brain injury