Spreading depression and brain preconditioning: A short review

SummaryCortical spreading depression (CSD) is a transient suppression of neuronal activity, resulting from a temporary disruption of local brain ionic homoeostasis by a propagating wave of neuronal hyperexcitability over the cerebral cortex. This activity has been shown to induce mechanisms which precondition the rodent brain structures affected by the CSD (protects them from the damaging effects of a stroke). A number of groups are using this strategy to identify the underlying protective mechanisms which will ultimately lead to the identification of new targets and strategies for neuroprotection in many acute and chronic neuropathologies. Mechanisms thus far identified include activation of adenosine A1 receptors which then activates the ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, and modulation of neuronal nicotinic receptors.