Experimental neurology
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Experimental neurology · Jul 2019
ReviewTranslational approach towards determining the role of cerebral autoregulation in outcome after traumatic brain injury.
Cerebral autoregulation is impaired after traumatic brain injury (TBI), contributing to poor outcome. In the context of the neurovascular unit, cerebral autoregulation contributes to neuronal cell integrity and clinically Glasgow Coma Scale is correlated to intactness of autoregulation after TBI. Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) is often normalized by use of vasoactive agents to increase mean arterial pressure (MAP) and thereby limit impairment of cerebral autoregulation and neurological deficits. ⋯ This review will describe translational studies using a more human like animal model (the pig) of TBI to identify better therapeutic strategies to improve outcome post injury. These studies also investigated the role of age and sex in outcome and mechanism(s) involved in improvement of outcome in the setting of TBI. Additionally, this review considers use of inhaled nitric oxide as a novel neuroprotective strategy in treatment of TBI.
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Experimental neurology · Jul 2019
ReviewDoes pediatric traumatic brain injury cause adult alcohol misuse: Combining preclinical and epidemiological approaches.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is closely interrelated with alcohol use disorders. This is mediated, in part, by the large number of individuals who are intoxicated at the time of their injuries. However, there is also evidence, both preclinically and epidemiologically that TBI, particularly when it occurs early in life can increase the incidence of alcohol use disorders later on. ⋯ In this review we discuss the epidemiological evidence for increased drinking in humans. Further, we discuss, the animal models for increased drinking after TBI and the potential mechanistic insights that have been derived from those animal models. We conclude, based on the framework described, that it is possible that pediatric TBI causes alcohol use disorders in humans.