[Neuronal protection in neurologic diseases?]

Several types of lesions of the mature central nervous system (CNS), such as craniocerebral trauma or spinal cord trauma, may initiate secondary cascades, which may cause damage to primarily uninjured neurons. The exact mechanisms which cause neuronal cell death are still unknown. It has been suggested that retrogradely transported target-derived neurotrophic factors which are necessary for neuronal survival might be lacking after certain types of lesions. On the other hand, neurons might be damaged by calcium-overload resulting from excessive release of excitatory amino acids (EAAs) after trauma. The present review summarizes current concepts of post-traumatic neuronal cell damage with a focus on the putative neuroprotective role of calcium channel blockers and their interaction with glutamate mediated cytotoxicity, neurotrophic factors and free radicals.