X-Message-Number: 24140
From: "Basie" <>
Subject: x-irradiation of damaged CNS 
Date: Sun, 23 May 2004 21:21:26 -0400

"Neurons of the central nervous system are incapable of mitotic division;
once formed, therefore, the number of neurons in a human brain can only
decrease. Indeed, a great many neurons die within a short period after their
origination: neuronal death (called apoptosis), as well as consolidation,
plays a large role in the "sculpting" of neural circuits as they mature.
Interestingly, when neurons of the CNS are damaged, their attempts at
regeneration are stymied by microglial cells -- neurons of the peripheral
nervous system retain a limited capacity for regeneration, presumably
because macrophages (cells of the immune system which are not present in the
CNS), prevent the microglia from interfering with regenaration by making
scar tissue. An exciting recent development is the finding that
x-irradiation of damaged CNS can promote regeneration, probably by killing
the microglia."

I wonder if the x-irradiation before suspension could protect the brain.

Basie

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