Mechanical compression induces neuronal apoptosis, reduces synaptic activity, and promotes glial neuroinflammation in mice and humans.

ABSTRACT: Mass effect, characterized by the compression and deformation of neural tissue from space-occupying lesions, can lead to debilitating neurological symptoms and poses a significant clinical challenge. In the primary brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM), we have shown previously that compressive solid stress originating from the growing tumor reduces cerebral blood flow, leading to neuronal loss, increased functional impairment, and poor clinical outcomes. However, the direct effects of compression on neurons and the underlying biophysical mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, using multiscale compression systems and physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo models, we find that chronic mechanical compression induces neuronal apoptosis and loss of synaptic puncta, leading to disrupted neural

SUBMITTER: Zarodniuk M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12773780 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature