- The researchers used a type of embryonic rat stem cells known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to restore ovary function in experimental rats.
- Within two weeks, the rats who had been treated with stem cells had regained full ovarian function and after eight weeks their hormone levels were the same as the rats who did not have ovarian failure.
"This is proof of concept, and there is still a long way to go before we can apply this to women," -- "Nevertheless, this work holds out the possibility that women with premature ovarian failure might be able to bear a baby of their own." -- "What we have done is proven that we can restore apparently fully-functioning ovaries in rats. The next step is to look how these rats might reproduce,"
Stem cells restore ovary function in rat study
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68E4BD20100915
(Reuters) - Scientists have found that injecting a particular type of stem cells into infertile female rats can restore the function of their ovaries, and say their findings could pave the way for a similar treatment for humans.