Neuroscientists Investigate How the Brain Repairs Itself After Stroke

Researchers at Virginia Tech are investigating how the brain develops “collateral” blood vessels which re-route blood flow after a vessel becomes blocked following a stroke, in order to potentially find better or new stroke treatments. When a brain suffers from a blockage or clot, a network of replacement vessels, known as collaterals, can restore oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue. Researchers are searching for answers about the brain’s natural network of collateral blood vessels, as well as its ability to remodel them after stroke and traumatic brain injury — two areas that largely remain a mystery. The lead author of the study hypothesizes that a family of Eph receptors (molecules that guide development and growth of nerve fibers in the brain) operate as “negative receptors” in the formation of collateral vessels. These receptors may make it difficult for the brain to initially form and repair collaterals, limiting the brain’s ability to mend itself after a stroke. To read more about this study, click here.