Comparison of Inflammation in the Brain and Spinal Cord following Mechanical Injury

Abstract

Inflammation in the CNS predominantly involves microglia and macrophages, and is believed to be a significant cause of secondary injury following trauma. This study compares the microglial and macrophage response in the rat brain and spinal cord following discrete mechanical injury to better appreciate the degree to which these cells could contribute to secondary damage in these areas. We find that, 1 week after injury, the microglial and macrophage response is significantly greater in the spinal cord compared to the brain. This is the case for injuries to both gray and white matter. In addition, we observed a greater inflammatory response in white matter compared to gray matter within both ..