Spine team hail star protein

Dr Simon O'Carroll of Auckland University says the peptide protein has exciting possibilities. Picture / Greg Bowker

Researchers in Auckland have discovered a revolutionary treatment for spinal cord injury that could eliminate the need for invasive surgery.

Initial testing at Auckland University has shown promising results in reducing swelling and scarring.

If administered early enough after injury, the peptide protein could reduce long-term damage so that surgery would be unnecessary, said lead researcher Dr Simon O'Carroll.

"We think we've discovered something pretty powerful to treat spinal cord injury."

Human applications are at least two years away, but the team has been awarded $35,000 to get its project off the ground, courtesy of the CatWalk Trust founded by former New Zealand equestrian international Catriona Williams - herself confined to a wheelchair following a riding accident.

Dr O'Carroll said the protein can potentially treat all types of spinal injury, although more in-depth research was needed. An injury to the spinal cord tends to lead to swelling, which in turns leads to scarring and other complications that prevent healing. Peptide prevents that initial swelling, and the formation of scars.

The protein works by blocking the flow of cellular matter from injured spine cells to healthy ones.

"If we can treat the injury early enough, we can close those channels and stop the damage spreading."

Most spinal cord injuries were currently repaired through surgery, said Dr O'Carroll.

"That surgery itself can lead to more damage. So what we're hoping is that we can deliver something systemically."

The protein can either be injected into the bloodstream, or directly into the spine, but Dr O'Carroll said more research was needed to discover the more effective method, and the concentrations required.

The discovery was made by Professor Colin Green, who is also with the university, when he was conducting research into peptides.

Dr O'Carroll, Professor Green and Associate Professor Louise Nicholson are working in collaboration with a colleague at University College London to advance their research.

Dr O'Carroll said it was merely the beginning of their work, and if their findings confirm their predictions, human trials would be the next step.

How it works

* Channels, dubbed connexin hemichannels, open in injured spinal cord cells.

* The channels allow cellular matter to circulate from damaged cells to healthy ones, spreading the damage.

* Peptide works by closing off the hemichannels, localising the impact to only damaged cells.