In a new study from the University of South Florida, researchers found that human placenta-derived stem cells showed chances of recovery in the laboratory mice with modelled stroke.

These cells proliferated and differentiated when they interacted with one kind of melatonin receptor, MT1.

"Along with increasing cell proliferation and survival rate, MT1 also enhanced the differentiation of placenta-derived stem cells into neuronal cells," said Yuji Kaneko at USF Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair.

"Targeting the MT1 receptor could be beneficial as MT1 appears to enhance cell proliferation."

The team also found that besides stroke, these stem cells could also be useful in treating oxidative stress.