Neuroprotection

The term neuroprotection means mechanisms within the nervous system which protect neurons from apoptosis or degeneration, for example following a brain injury or as a result of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The word derives from the words "neuron" (Greek for nerve cell) and "protection" (Latin for "saving").

Nowadays there's a broad interest in how apoptosis and and neuroprotection act on the brain in situations as different as growing up and learning or being ill (stroke, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease).

A recent post-mortem study of the anterior cingulate cortex of persons with schizophrenia found increased levels of cellular signaling proteins, primarily PEBP, that may lead to increased levels of neuroprotection. (Clark, 2006)

Papers

 * Behl C, Widmann M, Trapp T, Holsboer F. (1995)17-beta estradiol protects neurons from oxidative stress-induced cell death in vitro. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Nov 13;216(2):473-82. PMID 7488136
 * Clark, D., Dedova, I. Cordwell, S., Matsumoto, I. (2006). A proteome analysis of the anterior cingulate cortex gray matter in schizophrenia. Molecular Psychiatry, 11, 459–470.

Papers

 * Google Scholar