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Modeling premature brain injury and recovery
Author(s) -
Scafidi Joey,
Fagel Devon M.,
Ment Laura R.,
Vaccarino Flora M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of developmental neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.761
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1873-474X
pISSN - 0736-5748
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.05.009
Subject(s) - gliogenesis , neuroscience , neurogenesis , neuroimaging , brain structure and function , epigenetics , brain function , brain development , traumatic brain injury , animal model , psychology , medicine , biology , neural stem cell , psychiatry , stem cell , biochemistry , genetics , gene , endocrinology
Premature birth is a growing and significant public health problem because of the large number of infants that survive with neurodevelopmental sequelae from brain injury. Recent advances in neuroimaging have shown that although some neuroanatomical structures are altered, others improve over time. This review outlines recent insights into brain structure and function in these preterm infants at school age and relevant animal models. These animal models have provided scientists with an opportunity to explore in depth the molecular and cellular mechanisms of injury as well as the potential of the brain for recovery. The endogenous potential that the brain has for neurogenesis and gliogenesis, and how environment contributes to recovery, are also outlined. These preclinical models will provide important insights into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms responsible for variable degrees of injury and recovery, permitting the exploration of targeted therapies to facilitate recovery in the developing preterm brain.