Abstract

LIMA, Rafael Rodrigues et al. White matter injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Rev. Para. Med. [online]. 2006, vol.20, n.4, pp.41-45. ISSN 0101-5907.

Objective: review the literature on the white matter pathology, including axonal damage, myelin impairment and oligodendrocyte degeneration, emphasizing the importance of this pathological event on the underlying functional deficits following neurodegenerative diseases. Method: bibliography search using PUBME/MEDLINE databases. Final considerations: the pathological impairment of white matter is an important mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of both acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Translational researches should be accomplished for the development of new therapeutic approaches for human brain disorders. An important aim of these investigations must be the protection of the human white matter tracts, which are damaged following neural disorders, including brain and spinal cord trauma, stroke and multiple sclerosis.

Keywords : white matter; axonal damage; oligodendrocyte degeneration; demyelination.

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