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Article: Protecting nerve cells after injury. (tirilazad mesylate prevents secondary phases of nerve damage injury to brain or spinal cord by blocking some inflammatory reactions) (Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Science News
- Article date:
- September 3, 1994
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1994 Science Service, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In some cases, an injury to the head or spine causes damage to nerve cells in phases. First comes the initial injury. Then secondary effects set in: inflammation, tissue breakdown, and a host of other physical reactions to injury.
While medical treatment often can do little to mitigate the effect of initial trauma to nerve cells, many researchers believe that speedy intervention can prevent further degradation of nerves and tissues near the injured site.
John M. McCall, a chemist at the Upjohn Co. in Kalamazoo, Mich., described the ongoing study of a class of compounds that do appear to reduce the secondary phases of nerve damage after injury to the ...