There has been a very important development in the world of science. Researchers have been working on how to effectively treat neurological diseases such as epilepsy for a long time. An experiment carried out on a sea lion suffering from epilepsy in the US state of California took a big step forward in this field.
The sea lion named Cronutt was unable to eat as his epileptic seizures increased. However, after an experimental surgery performed by transplanting pig brain cells, it was shared that Cronutt had no seizures for the past year. Scientists have now started to investigate in which other living things this process can be applied.
It is planned to be tested on humans as well.
Cronutt, who started to have epileptic seizures due to the types of bacteria found to affect the nervous system of sea lions on the California coast, became so serious in 2020 that ‘euthanasia’ seemed to be the only option.
Scientists had previously tried to apply treatment by transplanting some of the pig brain cells, which are located in the hippocampus region of the brain and prevent epileptic seizures, into mice. Afterwards, it was observed that epilepsy disease was completely cured in all mice. The researchers began preparations for the surgery to see if this method would work for Cronutt as well.
Just like in mice, up to 200,000 pig brain cells were transplanted into the hippocampus region of Cronutt’s brain. Although the sea lion’s condition is extremely serious, it is stated that he has not had any epileptic seizures in the last year. Researchers say that with this method, Cronutt will now live a longer and healthier life.
Scientists state that before this treatment can be applied in humans, quite extensive research still needs to be done and it is necessary to make sure that it does not cause any harm. After the answers to these question marks are clarified, it is aimed to develop the treatment method for humans as well.
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