Models of neurodegeneration in the hippocampus : molecular and behavioural factors promoting neuroprotection and neuropathology

Abstract

We investigated the consequences of brain insult after ischemia and kainic acid using different behavioural tasks, because both ischemia or KA model induce a similar neurodegenerative process to that resulting from traumatic brain injury, as well as some aspects of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. We have investigated some of the mechanisms which might be engaged by these pathologies; we have shown possible mechanisms which are involved in the process of recovery, focusing attention on prostaglandin production involved in the inflammation pathway generated from arachidonic acid via the action of the cyclooxygenases (COX), especially COX-2 (Cryer and Dubois, 1999). We also examined BDNF protein levels (one of most important trophic factors in the hippocampus, and which is augmented during brain injury); we examined if increases in BDNF protein levels could protect against cell death, following brain insult.