Mechanisms of ischemic brain damage

Neuropharmacology. 2008 Sep;55(3):310-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.01.005. Epub 2008 Jan 25.

Abstract

In the United States stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. Brain injury following stroke results from the complex interplay of multiple pathways including excitotoxicity, acidotoxicity, ionic imbalance, peri-infarct depolarization, oxidative and nitrative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. There are very few treatments for stroke and the development of new treatments requires a comprehensive understanding of the diverse mechanisms of ischemic brain damage that are responsible for neuronal death. Here, we discuss the underlying pathophysiology of this devastating disease and reveal the intertwined pathways that are the target of therapeutic intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Brain Ischemia / pathology*
  • Brain Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / physiology
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Stroke / physiopathology

Substances

  • Reactive Nitrogen Species