PMID: 8445200Jan 1, 1993Paper

The role of oxygen radicals in traumatic injury: clinical implications

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
E D Hall

Abstract

Lipid peroxidation is believed to be a major cause of posttraumatic cell damage and death. In patients with head and spinal injuries, this process is believed to contribute significantly to the development of permanent neurological dysfunction. Lipid peroxidation can be inhibited by pharmacological agents such as the antioxidants methylprednisolone and tirilazad mesylate. Animal models of head and spinal cord injuries have been used to investigate the physiological bases of the effects of antioxidants. These studies have found that antioxidants are capable of inhibiting posttraumatic events such as edema, metabolic dysfunction, and ischemia, indicating that lipid peroxidation participates in all of these processes. Early treatment appears to be essential for antioxidant-mediated neuroprotection. The multiple levels at which lipid peroxidation causes damage suggest that pharmacological modulation of this process may be beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of neural injuries.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Brain Ischemia

Brain ischemia is a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand. Discover the latest research on brain ischemia here.

Blood Brain Barrier

The blood brain barrier is a border that separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid. Discover the latest search on this highly selective semipermeable membrane here.

Blood Brain Barrier Chips

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is comprised of endothelial cells that regulate the influx and outflux of plasma concentrations. Lab-on-a-chip devices allow scientists to model diseases and mechanisms such as the passage of therapeutic antibodies across the BBB. Discover the latest research on BBB chips here.

Brain Injury & Trauma

brain injury after impact to the head is due to both immediate mechanical effects and delayed responses of neural tissues.