["Spreading depression" and peri-infarct depolarizations. Relevant pathological events in migraine and stroke?].
Spreading depression is a fascinating phenomenon that can be provoked by chemical, electrical or mechanical stimuli of the cortex. Spreading depression-like transient depolarizations are observed in the peri-infarct tissue after focal ischemia. The reduction in electrical activity and a negative direct current potential shift propagating over the cortex with a rate of 2-5 mm/minute are the physiological hallmarks. It is thought that spreading depression and peri-infarct depolarizations might play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine and stroke. However, these events have never been detected in humans. This paper reviews the physiological characteristics of spreading depression and peri-infarct depolarizations and discusses their potential role in migraine and stroke.
Röther
J
J
Neurologische Klinik, Universitätskrankenhaus Hamburg-Eppendorf. roether@uke.uni-hamburg.de
D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013181:Cortical Spreading Depression / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*