Research shows that stem-like cells from circulating blood can restore function in rats with stroke damage.
Scientists at the University of South Florida Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair have been testing the potential of specific blood cells for healing brain damage. The cells come from human blood donors given a substance called granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), an approved drug, which produces stem-cell like cells called peripheral blood progenitor cells.

These were injected into rats which acted as a model for human stroke. Compared to rats not injected with the cells, these animals soon regained normal movement and behavior. The study suggests that peripheral blood progenitor cells could be a good alternative to embryonic stem cells for cell therapy. The researchers think the peripheral blood progenitor cells produce substances that limit brain damage, rather than actually taking the place of brain cells.