Breakthrough in Stroke Recovery: Researchers Uncover How the Brain Can Repair Itself
The brain tries to repair damage after a stroke by utilizing its own repair cells, which function like skilled craftsmen. However, their efforts are often obstructed by inflammation, according to new research from the University of Southern Denmark and the University.
A new study conducted by researchers from the Department of Molecular Medicine at SDU highlights one of the most severe consequences of stroke: damage to the brain’s “cables”—the nerve fibers—which results in permanent impairments. Based on unique tissue samples from Denmark’s Brain Bank at SDU, the study could pave the way for new treatments to help the brain repair itself.
The brain tries to repair damage
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked, resulting in brain damage. After the injury, the brain attempts to repair the damaged nerve fibers by restoring their insulating layer, known as myelin. Unfortunately, this repair process is often only partially successful, leaving many patients with lasting impairments to their physical and mental functions.
According to Professor Kate Lykke Lambertsen, one of the study’s lead authors, the brain has the resources to repair itself: “We need to find ways to help the cells complete their work, even under difficult conditions.”
The researchers have thus focused on how inflammatory conditions hinder the rebuilding. The study has identified a particular type of cell in the brain that plays a key role in this process. These cells work to rebuild myelin, but inflammatory conditions often block their efforts.
How researchers used the brain collection
“Using the brain collection, we can precisely map which areas of the brain are most active in the repair process,” explains Professor Kate Lykke Lambertsen.
This mapping has enabled researchers to analyze tissue samples from Denmark’s Brain Bank and gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that control the brain’s ability to heal itself.
Through advanced staining techniques, known as immunohistochemistry, the researchers have been able to detect specific cells that play a central role in the reconstruction of myelin in the damaged areas of the brain.
The samples were analyzed to distinguish between different areas of the brain, including the infarct core (the most damaged area), the peri-infarct area (surrounding tissue where rebuilding is active), and tissue that appears unaffected.
The analysis provided insight into where repair cells accumulate and how their activity varies depending on gender and time since the stroke.
Women and men react differently
An interesting discovery in the study is that women’s and men’s brains react differently to injuries.
“The differences underscore the importance of future treatments being more targeted and taking into account the patient’s gender and individual needs,” says Kate Lykke Lambertsen.
In women, it seems that inflammatory conditions can prevent cells from repairing damage, while men have a slightly better ability to initiate the repair process. This difference may explain why women often experience greater difficulties after a stroke.
The brain collection at SDU is key to progress
The researchers behind the study emphasize that the discoveries could not have been made without the Danish Brain Bank at SDU. The collection consists of tissue samples from humans, used to understand brain diseases at a detailed level.
With access to this resource, researchers can investigate the mechanisms behind diseases like stroke and develop new treatment strategies.
Facts
What is myelin? Myelin is an insulating layer around the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord that ensures fast and efficient signal transmission between nerve cells.
What is the brain collection? The brain collection, called Denmark’s Brain Bank, contains more than 10,000 human brains and tissue samples from human brains, used for research into neurological diseases like stroke, dementia, and sclerosis.
What is Immunohistochemistry? A technique where antibodies are used to stain and identify specific cells or proteins in tissue. It helps researchers study cell functions and locations in the body.
Reference: “Characterisation of GPR17-expressing oligodendrocyte precursors in human ischaemic lesions and correlation with reactive glial responses” by Stefano Raffaele, Bettina Hjelm Clausen, Francesca Carolina Mannella, Martin Wirenfeldt, Davide Marangon, Sarah Boe Tidgen, Silvia Corradini, Kirsten Madsen, Davide Lecca, Maria Pia Abbracchio, Kate Lykke Lambertsen and Marta Fumagalli, 20 December 2024, The Journal of Pathology.