Concise Review: Bridging the Gap: Novel Neuroregenerative and Neuroprotective Strategies in Spinal Cord Injury.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result in devastating lifelong disability for patients and their families. The initial mechanical trauma is followed by a damaging secondary injury cascade involving proapoptotic signaling, ischemia, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Ongoing cellular necrosis releases ATP, DNA, glutamate, and free radicals to create a cytotoxic postinjury milieu. Long-term regeneration of lost or injured networks is further impeded by cystic cavitation and the formation of an inhibitory glial-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan scar. In this article, we discuss important neuroprotective interventions currently applied in clinical practice, including surgical decompression, blood pressure augmentation, and i.v. methylprednisolone. We then explore exciting transl

SUBMITTER: Ahuja CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4922857 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature