About regeneration of the brain (Lecture II)

Abstract

Medical counteraction to age-related brain degradation can be not only preventive, i.e., slowing, but also regenerative, aimed at recovery of the loss. Success ful regenerative treatment implies insight into natural mechanisms of regeneration with ensuing actions. In neurogenic zones, it seems reason able to stimulate neurogenesis and restore lost connections by including new neurons in the network. For some brain areas (cortex, cerebellum, spinal cord), where postnatal neurogenesis has not evolved during the evolution, there is evidence for development of intracellular regeneration processes in survived neurons, in particular, an increase in the number of nuclei and, respectively, the genes providing neuronal connections. Such regeneration was observed in experimental stroke and adaptation to hypoxia.