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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
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Combining Imaging and Electrophysiology to Visualize and Record Spreading Depolarizations in Mice
Published on: October 4, 2024
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Pharmacological modulation of spreading depolarizations
Renán Sánchez-Porras1, Zelong Zheng, Oliver W Sakowitz
1Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, renan.sanchez-porras@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement
|November 5, 2014
Summary
Spreading depolarization (SD) is a neuronal event implicated in brain injuries and neurological disorders. Pharmacological interventions targeting SD, like NMDA receptor blockers, show potential for mitigating its damaging effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spreading depolarization (SD) is a wave of intense neuronal and glial depolarization.
- SD is pathologically relevant in conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and migraine with aura.
- SD is linked to neuronal damage, degeneration, and adverse clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiological role of SD.
- To explore potential pharmacological targets for modulating SD.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting SD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on SD pathophysiology.
- Identification of molecular targets involved in SD initiation and propagation.
- Evaluation of pharmacological agents, including NMDA receptor blockers.
Main Results:
- SD is associated with significant neurological damage and poor prognosis.
- Numerous targets for SD modulation exist, including ion channels and receptors.
- NMDA receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, demonstrate promising results in preclinical models.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological modulation of SD is a theoretically viable therapeutic strategy.
- Targeting SD may offer a novel approach to reduce neuronal damage in various neurological conditions.
- Further research into SD-targeted therapies is warranted.
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