Spinal Cord Injuries Essay Assignment
The results of the research conducted at Wexner Medical Center (Ohio State University) indicate that immune functions of mice with spinal injuries can be restored (Scahill, 2013). Furthermore, the researchers have identified a mechanism which suppresses the immune system of mice (Scahill, 2013). The reason for the research was the high possibility of the suppression of the immune system among people who have spinal cord injuries. The suppression of immune functions of such people increases their susceptibility towards infections; this condition is called the syndrome of central immune depression (Scahill, 2013).Spinal Cord Injuries Essay Assignment
According to previous research data, it was identified that there was a complication of spinal cord injury which led to excessive activity of spinal reflexes which, in its turn, led to the increase of blood pressure and related health risks. This disorder of spinal cord activity is called autonomic dysreflexia (Scahill, 2013). The consequences of this disorder might be very severe; patients with spinal cord injuries are more vulnerable and might die from slightest infections.
The researchers found out that this disorder developed over time in mice with spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord reflexes of these mice became hyperactive and contributed to the suppression of immune system (Scahill, 2013). The research group headed by Popovich P.G. investigated the mechanism of autonomic dysreflexia, and found out that the suppression of immune system took place due to the release of immune modulatory hormones (Scahill, 2013). These hormones killed spleen white cells. The research group headed by Popovich P.G. managed to restore the functions of immune system of these mice with the help of glucocorticoids and nonrepinephrine-inhibiting drugs (Scahill, 2013).Spinal Cord Injuries Essay Assignment
The findings of this research were checked for relevance to human patients with spinal cord injuries. It was determined that increase of autonomic dysreflexia led to the suppression of human immune functions (Scahill, 2013). Although the research group did not develop a method for restoring immune functions of human beings with spinal cord injuries, they are sure that such method exists and will be working further to find the therapeutic goals and mechanisms for alleviating the syndrome of central immune depression, and for reversing it.
This research is highly important for my future career, because it provides valuable insight into the complications of spinal cord injuries and the dangers which might exist for patients with spinal cord injuries. The knowledge about autonomic dysreflexia allows reducing risks for patients with spinal cord injuries. Furthermore, this news article uncovered new aspects of the interaction between the spinal cord and immune functions. Although the researchers have only found a scheme allowing restoring immune functions of mice with spinal cord injuries, future findings of this research group are to be promising.Spinal Cord Injuries Essay Assignment
The evidence that everyday occurrences activating spinal autonomic reflexes turned into hyperactive ones in people with spinal cord injuries and led to the suppression of immune functions will help me in my future work; when I witness such symptoms or notice unexpected reactions of people with spinal cord injuries, I will be aware of the possibility of autonomic dysreflexia. Furthermore, knowing that the chances of autonomic dysreflexia increase over time after the spinal cord injury, I will be able to monitor the patient’s condition in a more effective way. This research also points out at the hormones which can be used to restore immune functions of mice with autonomic dysreflexia. In extreme cases, drugs using these hormones might be used to help the dying people, so this knowledge might help save the patient’s life in the future.
Finally, reading this article was useful for me as a professional because now I am aware of such direction of research, and will check the progress of this research in future. Therefore, future achievements of the research group of Wexner Medical Center will also extend my knowledge of spinal cord injuries and mechanisms of restoring the patient’s health in such cases.Spinal Cord Injuries Essay Assignment