Japanese researchers demonstrate success of baby tooth stem cells in treating chronic phase cerebral palsy in animal models

Nagoya University study finds that stem cells from baby teeth can treat chronic-phase cerebral palsy in rats, improving motor and cognitive functions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 9:36 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Nagoya University

Addressing the chronic phase of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy, primarily caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) before or during birth, leads to permanent impairments in posture and movement. While previous research has focused on the benefits of stem cell therapy during the acute phase shortly after birth, diagnosis is often delayed until motor deficits become obvious. A research team at Nagoya University Hospital has now bridged this gap by demonstrating that stem cells can be effective during the chronic phase. Clinical Professor Yoshiaki Sato noted that this is the first animal study to prove the efficacy of treatment initiated after physical impairments have already manifested, a development that could expand the treatment window for millions of affected children.

Ethical sourcing from human deciduous teeth

The study utilized stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), which are collected from baby teeth that have naturally fallen out. This sourcing method provides a significant advantage by avoiding the ethical controversies associated with embryonic stem cells. In collaboration with the biotechnology company S-Quatre, the Nagoya University team focused on SHED because these cells are typically discarded as medical waste but contain potent regenerative properties. This approach transforms a common biological byproduct into a potentially life-changing therapeutic tool for neuro-regeneration.

Experimental results in rat models

The researchers tested the efficacy of SHED by inducing unilateral brain injury in 7-day-old rats to mimic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Treatment was administered intravenously during the chronic phase—between 5 and 9 weeks of age—which is developmentally equivalent to human pre-adolescence. In the horizontal ladder test, the SHED-treated group showed significantly fewer slips than the control group. Furthermore, cylinder tests demonstrated that treated rats relied more on their previously impaired forelimbs, and shuttle avoidance tests indicated a marked improvement in learning and memory. These results suggest that SHED can address both the physical and cognitive challenges associated with HIE.