The developing oligodendrocyte: key cellular target in brain injury in the premature infant

摘要: Brain injury in the premature infant, a problem of enormous importance, is associated with high risk neurodevelopmental disability. The major type involves cerebral white matter and principal cellular target developing oligodendrocyte. specific phase oligodendroglial lineage affected has been defined from study both human brain experimental models. This premyelinating cell (pre-OL) vulnerable because series maturation-dependent events. pathogenesis pre-OL relates to operation two upstream mechanisms, hypoxia-ischemia systemic infection/inflammation, which are common occurrences infants. focus this review our research over past 15-20 years molecular bases for vulnerability action mechanisms. Three downstream mechanisms have identified, i.e., microglial activation, excitotoxicity free radical attack. work models identified remarkable confluence factors that render so exquisitely these Most importantly, elucidation led delineation potential therapeutic interventions, show marked protective properties. critical next step, clinical trials living now on horizon.