White matter ischaemia.
Brain and spinal cord white matter are vulnerable to the effects of ischaemia. Reduction of the energy supply leads to a cascade of events including depolarization, influx of Na(+) and the subsequent reverse operation of the membrane protein the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger which ultimately terminates in intracellular Ca(2+) overload and irreversible axonal injury. Various points along the white matter damage cascade could be specifically targeted as a potential means of inhibiting the development of axonal irreversible injury.
Petty
M A
MA
CNS Research, Hoechst Marion Roussel, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA. margaret.perry@hmrag.com
Wettstein
J G
JG
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats