Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
06:50
A Preclinical Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Hemorrhage Contusion and Neuroinflammation
Published on: June 10, 2020
Bridge between neuroimmunity and traumatic brain injury
Matthew L Kelso, Howard E Gendelman1
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6045. mkelso@unmc.edu.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|September 13, 2013
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers immune responses that cause neurotoxicity. Understanding these immune pathways is crucial for developing novel neuroprotective therapies for TBI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Central nervous system diseases involve immune responses.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) activates innate and adaptive immunity, leading to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity.
- Current pharmacological treatments for TBI are limited despite extensive research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immune response following brain injuries.
- To discuss potential therapeutic targets for TBI.
- To propose strategies for controlling the immune system to promote neuroprotection.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical studies on TBI and neuroinflammation.
- Analysis of immune cell infiltration and mediator production post-TBI.
- Evaluation of adaptive immune responses, including antibody production and lymphocyte proliferation.
Main Results:
- TBI-induced damage activates innate immunity, causing neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity.
- Adaptive immune responses influence disease progression and tissue repair.
- The immune response in TBI presents numerous potential targets for pharmacological intervention.
Conclusions:
- The immune system plays a critical role in TBI pathophysiology.
- Targeting neuroinflammation and modulating immune responses may offer therapeutic benefits for TBI.
- Further research is needed to develop effective neuroprotective strategies for TBI.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
00:49The Blood-brain Barrier
Overview
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
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...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...