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Acute Brain Trauma in Mice Followed By Longitudinal Two-photon Imaging
Published on: April 6, 2014
Therapeutic approaches for the prevention of secondary brain injury
T K McIntosh1, D H Smith, E Garde
1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Division of Neurosurgery, Philadelphia 19104-6316, USA.
Abstract:
The precise mechanisms underlying secondary brain damage after traumatic injury to the central nervous system (CNS) are not well understood, and delayed neuronal injury may result from pathological changes in neurotransmitter release, synthesis or generation of endogenous autodestructive neurochemicals and/ or inflammatory mediators, or alterations in endogenous protective or trophic factors. Recent identification of such factors and the elucidation of the timing of the neurochemical cascade following CNS injury provides a window of opportunity for therapeutic intervention with pharmacological compounds which modify synthesis, release, receptor binding or physiological activity of neurotoxic factors. A number of recent experimental studies have reported that pharmacological modification of the post-traumatic neurochemical milieu can promote functional recovery in a variety of animal models of CNS trauma. This paper summarizes recent work suggesting that pharmacological manipulation of several key neurotransmitter and neurochemical systems can attenuate neuronal damage and improve functional outcome associated with traumatic brain injury.
Insights
Pharmacological interventions targeting neurochemical changes after traumatic brain injury can reduce secondary brain damage. Modifying neurotransmitter systems shows promise for improving functional recovery in CNS trauma models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Background:
- Secondary brain damage mechanisms post-traumatic injury are not fully understood.
- Delayed neuronal injury may stem from altered neurotransmitters, neurochemicals, inflammatory mediators, or trophic factors.
- Understanding the neurochemical cascade offers therapeutic intervention opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent research on pharmacological manipulation of the post-traumatic neurochemical milieu.
- To explore how modifying key neurotransmitter and neurochemical systems impacts traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies on pharmacological interventions in animal models of CNS trauma.
- Analysis of research focusing on neurotransmitter and neurochemical systems following TBI.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological modification of the post-traumatic neurochemical environment can promote functional recovery.
- Experimental studies demonstrate that modulating neurochemical systems attenuates neuronal damage.
- Evidence suggests improved functional outcomes in animal models of CNS trauma.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological manipulation of key neurotransmitter and neurochemical systems is a viable strategy for TBI treatment.
- Targeting the neurochemical cascade following CNS injury can mitigate neuronal damage and enhance recovery.
- Further research into these pharmacological approaches holds potential for treating traumatic brain injury.
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