Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
09:42
A Fibrin-Enriched and tPA-Sensitive Photothrombotic Stroke Model
Published on: June 4, 2021
Sensitization and tolerization to brain antigens in stroke.
1University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Box 359775, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA. kjb@u.washington.edu
Neuroscience
|August 19, 2008
Summary
Following stroke, systemic inflammation can trigger harmful autoimmune responses to brain antigens in rats. Manipulating the immune response may improve stroke outcomes and neurological recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Stroke research
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- The systemic immune system encounters novel brain antigens after stroke, but typically does not mount an autoimmune response.
- Post-stroke infections are linked to poorer outcomes, suggesting a role for the immune system in recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how systemic inflammation influences the development of autoimmunity following stroke.
- To explore the potential for manipulating immune responses to improve stroke outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Studies were conducted in a rat model of stroke.
- Systemic inflammatory responses were induced at the time of stroke.
- Changes in immune responses to brain antigens were assessed.
Main Results:
- A systemic inflammatory response during stroke increased the likelihood of developing detrimental autoimmunity in rats.
- These findings provide a potential explanation for worse outcomes associated with post-stroke infections.
Conclusions:
- The nature of the immune response post-stroke significantly influences neurological recovery.
- Targeting antigen-specific immune responses may offer a therapeutic strategy for improving stroke outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...