Stem cells derived from skeletal muscle helped improve heart function in rats after a heart attack, according to new research by scientists in Norway. They injected mesenchymal cells into heart muscle in a number of rats that experienced myocardial infarction. But, the researchers explain, both groups of rodents that received the treatment experienced major improvement in their left ventricular function. In addition, the cell therapy reduced the area of dead tissue left behind by the attack. Researchers at Oslo University Hospital and the Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research at Oslo University performed the research, which is detailed in the journal Cell Transplantation. Release