[SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN ISCHEMIC PENUMBRA OF THE BRAIN (REVIEW)]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cerebrovascular Medicine
• Therapeutic Hypothermia

Background:

• The ischemic penumbra is a critical area in stroke, defined by blood flow between electrocortical silence and anoxic depolarization.
• Existing data on the therapeutic window for reperfusion in ischemic stroke are conflicting.
• Brain temperature significantly impacts ischemic stroke outcomes, with even minor alterations having crucial effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the conflicting data on the therapeutic window in ischemic stroke.
• To examine the role of temperature in ischemic stroke development and outcomes.
• To highlight the potential of therapeutic hypothermia in expanding the therapeutic window.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on ischemic stroke, cerebral blood flow, and temperature.
• Analysis of data concerning the effects of temperature alterations on ischemic brain tissue.
• Evaluation of the impact of hypothermia on intracellular processes and cell death.

Main Results:

• Lowering intraischemic brain temperature by 2-3°C can decrease infarct volume by 70-80%.
• Hypothermia modifies intracellular processes, significantly delaying cell death.
• Hypothermia demonstrates potential in widening the therapeutic window for ischemic stroke.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic hypothermia is a promising strategy for mitigating ischemic stroke damage.
• Even modest reductions in brain temperature can substantially improve stroke outcomes.
• Hypothermia offers a method to broaden the time frame for effective reperfusion therapies in stroke.