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Promoting axonal rewiring to improve outcome after stroke
Larry I Benowitz1, S Thomas Carmichael
1Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery and F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Program, Children's Hospital, USA. larry.benowitz@childrens.harvard.edu
Neurobiology of Disease
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Brain plasticity after stroke aids recovery. Strategies like promoting axon growth and behavioral therapy may enhance functional reorganization and improve outcomes in stroke patients, moving beyond neuroprotection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Functional recovery after stroke is limited but linked to brain functional organization changes.
- Augmenting brain reorganization may improve stroke patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for functional and anatomical reorganization under normal conditions.
- To explore strategies that enhance reorganization and improve outcomes after brain injury in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on brain reorganization.
- Analysis of strategies including counteracting myelin-associated inhibitors, activating intrinsic neuronal growth, enhancing physiological activity, and behavioral therapy.
Main Results:
- Functional and anatomical reorganization occurs naturally after stroke.
- Specific strategies show promise in animal models for enhancing recovery.
Conclusions:
- Strategies targeting brain reorganization, such as promoting axon growth and behavioral therapy, offer a promising alternative to neuroprotection for improving stroke outcomes.
