FRIDAY, Sept. 3, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Bone marrow produces cells that help heal wounds, as well as fight infection, says a University of Washington study in the Sept. 3 issue of Stem Cells.
While the ability of these bone marrow stem cells to fight infection was already known, this is the first study to identify their role in wound healing.
"Wounds may not heal the way we thought they did," biochemist Dr. Richard Ikeda, of the U.S. National Institute of General Medical Sciences, said in a prepared statement.
"This study shows that bone marrow stem cells, in addition to cells from the surrounding tissue, may actually contribute to the healing process. If this is the case, it could lead to completely new ways of treating serious wounds," Ikeda said.
More information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about wound healing.
