The Nanotheranostic Researcher’s Guide for Use of Animal Models of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is currently the leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated global cost of USD 400 billion annually. Both clinical and preclinical behavioral outcomes associated with TBI are heterogeneous in nature and influenced by the mechanism and frequency of injury. Previous literature has investigated this relationship through the development of animal models and behavioral tasks. However, recent advancements in these methods may provide insight into the translation of therapeutics into a clinical setting. In this review, we characterize various animal models and behavioral tasks to provide guidelines for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of treatment options in TBI. We provide a brief review into the systems utilized in TBI classification and provide comparisons to the animal models that have been developed. In addition, we discuss the role of behavioral tasks in evaluating outcomes associated with TBI. Our goal is to provide those in the nanotheranostic field a guide for selecting an adequate TBI animal model and behavioral task for assessment of outcomes to increase research in this field.

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The Role of Estradiol in Traumatic Brain Injury: Mechanism and Treatment Potential

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22010011 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 11

Author(s):

Erzsébet Kövesdi ◽

Edina Szabó-Meleg ◽

István M. Abrahám

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Animal Models ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Endocrine System ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

17Β Estradiol ◽

And Gender

Patients surviving traumatic brain injury (TBI) face numerous neurological and neuropsychological problems significantly affecting their quality of life. Extensive studies over the past decades have investigated pharmacological treatment options in different animal models, targeting various pathological consequences of TBI. Sex and gender are known to influence the outcome of TBI in animal models and in patients, respectively. Apart from its well-known effects on reproduction, 17β-estradiol (E2) has a neuroprotective role in brain injury. Hence, in this review, we focus on the effect of E2 in TBI in humans and animals. First, we discuss the clinical classification and pathomechanism of TBI, the research in animal models, and the neuroprotective role of E2. Based on the results of animal studies and clinical trials, we discuss possible E2 targets from early to late events in the pathomechanism of TBI, including neuroinflammation and possible disturbances of the endocrine system. Finally, the potential relevance of selective estrogenic compounds in the treatment of TBI will be discussed.

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Sex Differences in Animal Models of Traumatic Brain Injury

Journal of Experimental Neuroscience ◽

10.1177/1179069519844020 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

pp. 117906951984402 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Todd G Rubin ◽

Michael L Lipton

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Animal Models ◽

Enhanced Recovery ◽

Behavioral Outcomes ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Heterogeneous Nature ◽

Models Of Injury ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is highly prevalent and there is currently no adequate treatment. Understanding the underlying mechanisms governing TBI and recovery remains an elusive goal. The heterogeneous nature of injury and individual’s response to injury have made understanding risk and susceptibility to TBI of great importance. Epidemiologic studies have provided evidence of sex-dependent differences following TBI. However, preclinical models of injury have largely focused on adult male animals. Here, we review 50 studies that have investigated TBI in both sexes using animal models. Results from these studies are highly variable and model dependent, but largely show females to have a protective advantage in behavioral outcomes and pathology following TBI. Further research of both sexes using newer models that better recapitulate mild and repetitive TBI is needed to characterize the nature of sex-dependent injury and recovery, and ultimately identifies targets for enhanced recovery.

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