How do nerve cells regenerate? Are nerve cells recovering or not? Charging for the brain

Neuroprotection allows you to save the structure and function of neurons. Under the influence of neuroprotective drugs, the metabolism in the brain is normalized, and the energy supply of nerve cells improves. Neurologists have been actively prescribing these drugs to patients since the end of the last century.

Neuroprotectors are cytoprotective drugs, the action of which is provided by the correction of membrane-stabilizing, metabolic and mediator balance. Any substance that protects neurons from death has a neuroprotective effect.

According to the mechanism of action, the following groups of neuroprotectors are distinguished:

nootropics,
antioxidant agents,
vascular drugs,
Combined medicines,
adaptogenic agents.

Neuroprotectors or cerebroprotectors are drugs that stop or limit brain tissue damage caused by acute hypoxia and ischemia. As a result of the ischemic process, cells die, hypoxic, metabolic and microcirculatory changes occur in all organs and tissues, up to the development of multiple organ failure. Neuroprotectors are used to prevent damage to neurons during ischemia. They improve metabolism, reduce oxidation processes, increase antioxidant protection, and improve hemodynamics. Neuroprotectors help prevent damage to the nervous tissue during frequent shift climate, after neuro-emotional stress and overstrain. Due to this, they are used not only for therapeutic, but also for preventive purposes.

For the treatment of children, a huge number of neuroprotectors with different mechanisms action at a dosage appropriate for age and body weight. These include typical nootropics - Piracetam, vitamins - Neurobion, neuropeptides - Semax, Cerebrolysin.

Such drugs increase the resistance of nerve cells to the aggressive effects of traumatic factors, intoxication, and hypoxia. These drugs have a psychostimulating and sedative effect, reduce the feeling of weakness and depression, and eliminate the manifestations of asthenic syndrome. Neuroprotectors affect the higher nervous activity, perception of information, activate intellectual functions. The mnemotropic effect is to improve memory and learning, the adaptogenic effect is to increase the body's ability to withstand harmful environmental influences.

Under the influence of neurotropic drugs, the blood supply to the brain improves, headaches and dizziness decrease, and other autonomic disorders disappear. Patients have clarity of consciousness and increased level of wakefulness. These medicines do not cause addiction and psychomotor agitation.

Nootropic drugs

Nootropics are drugs that stimulate metabolism in the nervous tissue and eliminate neuropsychiatric disorders. They rejuvenate the body, prolong life, activate the learning process and speed up memorization. The term "nootropic" in translation from the ancient Greek language literally means "change the mind."

"Piracetam" is the most famous representative of nootropic drugs, widely used in modern traditional medicine for the treatment of psychosis. neurological diseases. It increases the concentration of ATP in the brain, stimulates the synthesis of RNA and lipids in cells. "Piracetam" is prescribed to patients during the rehabilitation period after acute ischemia brain. The drug is the first nootropic synthesized in Belgium in the last century. Scientists have found that this medicine significantly increases mental performance and perception of information.
"Cerebrolysin" is a hydrolyzate obtained from the brain of young pigs. It is a partially broken down whey protein enriched with amino peptides. Due to its low molecular weight, Cerebrolysin quickly penetrates the blood-brain barrier, reaches brain cells and exerts its therapeutic effect. This medicine is of natural origin, so it has no contraindications and rarely causes side effects.
"Semax" is a synthetic neuropeptide complex that has a pronounced nootropic effect. It is an analog of a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, but does not have hormonal activity and does not affect the functioning of the adrenal glands. "Semax" adapts the work of the brain and contributes to the formation of resistance to stress damage, hypoxia and ischemia. This medicine is also an antioxidant, antihypoxant and angioprotector.
"Ceraxon" is prescribed to patients who have had a stroke. It restores damaged nerve cell membranes and prevents their further death. For patients with TBI, the drug allows you to quickly get out of a post-traumatic coma, reduces the intensity of neurological symptoms and the duration of rehabilitation period. In patients after active drug therapy, such Clinical signs, as lack of initiative, memory impairment, difficulties in the process of self-service, increases general level consciousness.
"Pikamilon" is a drug that improves cerebral circulation, activates metabolism in the brain tissue. The drug has the properties of an antihypoxant, antioxidant, antiaggregant and tranquilizer at the same time. At the same time, there is no depression of the central nervous system, drowsiness and lethargy do not occur. "Pikamilon" eliminates the symptoms of overwork and psycho-emotional overload.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are drugs that neutralize the pathogenic effects of free radicals. After treatment, the cells of the body are renewed and healed. Antihypoxants improve the utilization of oxygen circulating in the body and increase the resistance of cells to hypoxia. They prevent, reduce and eliminate the manifestations of oxygen deficiency, maintaining energy metabolism at an optimal level.

List of neuroprotective drugs with antioxidant action:

"Mexidol" is effective in combating hypoxia, ischemia, convulsions. The drug increases the body's resistance to stress, stimulates its adaptive capacity to the damaging effects of the environment. This medicine is included in the complex treatment of dyscirculatory changes occurring in the brain. Under the influence of Mexidol, the processes of perception and reproduction of information are improved, especially in the elderly, alcohol intoxication of the body decreases.
"Emoxipin" increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduces the formation of prostaglandins, prevents thromboaggregation. "Emoxipin" is prescribed to patients with signs of acute cerebral and coronary insufficiency, glaucoma, intraocular hemorrhages, diabetic retinopathy.
"Glycine" is an amino acid that is a natural metabolite of the brain and affects the functional state of its specialized systems and non-specific structures. It is a neurotransmitter that regulates metabolic processes in the CNS. Under the influence of the drug, psycho-emotional stress decreases, brain function improves, the severity of asthenia and pathological dependence on alcohol decrease. "Glycine" has an anti-stress and sedative effect.
"Glutamic acid" is a drug that stimulates the recovery processes in the body, normalizes metabolism and the transmission of nerve impulses. It increases the resistance of brain cells to hypoxia and protects the body from the toxic effects of toxic substances, alcohol, and some medicines. The drug is prescribed to patients with schizophrenia, epilepsy, psychosis, insomnia, encephalitis and meningitis. Glutamic acid is included in complex therapy cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, Down's disease.
"Complamin" is a neurotropic drug that improves the blood supply to the brain, promotes the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain tissue, and suppresses platelet aggregation. Complamin is an indirect antioxidant that activates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and has a hepatoprotective effect.

Vascular drugs

Classification of the most used vascular preparations: anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, vasodilators, calcium channel blockers.

Anticoagulants: "Heparin", "Sinkumarin", "Warfarin", "Phenylin". These drugs are anticoagulants that disrupt the biosynthesis of blood coagulation factors and inhibit their properties.
Has antiplatelet action Acetylsalicylic acid". It inactivates the enzyme cyclooxygenase and reduces platelet aggregation. In addition, this drug has indirect anticoagulant properties, realized by inhibiting blood coagulation factors. "Acetylsalicylic acid" is prescribed for prophylactic purposes to persons with disorders cerebral circulation survivors of stroke and myocardial infarction. "Plavix" and "Tiklid" are analogues of "Aspirin". They are prescribed in cases where their "Acetylsalicylic acid" is ineffective or contraindicated.
"Cinnarizine" improves blood flow, increases the resistance of muscle fibers to hypoxia, increases the plasticity of red blood cells. Under its influence, the vessels of the brain expand, cerebral blood flow improves, and the bioelectric ability of nerve cells is activated. "Cinnarizine" has an antispasmodic and antihistamine effect, reduces the reaction to some vasoconstrictor substances, reduces the excitability of the vestibular apparatus, while not affecting arterial pressure and heart rate. It relieves spasms of blood vessels and reduces cerebroasthenic manifestations: tinnitus and severe headache. Assign medication to patients with ischemic stroke, encephalopathy, Meniere's disease, dementia, amnesia and other pathologies accompanied by dizziness and headache.

Combination drugs

Combined neuroprotective drugs have metabolic and vasoactive properties that provide the fastest and best therapeutic effect when treated with low doses of active substances.

"Thiocetam" has a mutually potentiating effect of "Piracetam" and "Thiotriazoline". Along with cerebroprotective and nootropic properties, the drug has antihypoxic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory effects. "Thiocetam" is prescribed to patients suffering from diseases of the brain, heart and blood vessels, liver, and viral infections.
Phezam is a drug that dilates blood vessels, improves the absorption of oxygen by the body, and helps to increase its resistance to oxygen deficiency. The composition of the drug includes two components "Piracetam" and "Cinnarizine". They are neuroprotective agents and increase the resistance of nerve cells to hypoxia. Phezam accelerates protein metabolism and glucose utilization by cells, improves interneuronal transmission to the central nervous system and stimulates blood supply to ischemic areas of the brain. Asthenic, intoxication and psycho-organic syndromes, impaired thinking, memory and mood are indications for the use of Phezam.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens include herbal remedies that have a neurotropic effect. The most common among them are: tincture of Eleutherococcus, ginseng, Chinese magnolia vine. They are designed to combat increased fatigue, stress, anorexia, hypofunction of the gonads. Apply adaptogens to facilitate acclimatization, prevention colds, accelerating recovery after acute illnesses.

"Liquid extract of Eleutherococcus" is a phytopreparation that has a general tonic effect on the human body. This is a dietary supplement, for the manufacture of which the roots of the plant of the same name are used. Neuroprotector stimulates the immune system and the adaptive capacity of the body. Under the influence of the drug, drowsiness decreases, metabolism accelerates, appetite improves, and the risk of developing cancer is reduced.
"Ginseng tincture" has vegetable origin and renders positive influence on the metabolism in the body. The drug stimulates the work of the vascular and nervous systems of a person. It is used as part of general strengthening therapy in debilitated patients. "Ginseng tincture" is a metabolic, antiemetic and biostimulant agent that helps the body adapt to atypical loads, increases blood pressure, and lowers blood sugar levels.
"Chinese lemongrass tincture" is a common remedy that allows you to get rid of drowsiness, fatigue and recharge your batteries for a long time. This tool restores the state after depression, provides a surge of physical strength, perfectly tones, has a refreshing and stimulating effect.

The best vitamins for the nervous system: a list of the best drugs for children and adults

The functioning of the human body is controlled by the nervous system: any failure in its work immediately affects both the physical and psychological state. Constant fatigue, insomnia, irritability, stomach discomfort, hypotension ... All this may not indicate the presence of a somatic disease, but that the body receives few vitamins and minerals that are necessary for normal operation brain.

What vitamins and minerals are necessary for the nervous system to function properly?

The work of the nervous system depends on the intake certain groups vitamins and minerals.

B vitamins

Without B vitamins, the normal functioning of the nervous system becomes impossible. Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are neurotropic: they are often used in the treatment of neurological disorders, and their lack causes damage to peripheral nerves.

Each of these vitamins works in a specific way:

B1 restores nervous tissue, participates in the transmission of nerve impulses and acts as an antioxidant, slowing down tissue aging and participating in cell regeneration;
B6 is necessary for the normal course of all types of metabolism in the body, and is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters;
B12 accelerates the formation and regeneration of the myelin sheath that covers the nerve fibers;
B9 is necessary to restore all types of memory (long-term and short-term), as well as to ensure the normal rate of transmission of nerve impulses.

Usually in multivitamin complexes, designed to normalize the functioning of the nervous system, all of the listed vitamins are present: it has been proven that in combination they can achieve an excellent effect.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, or retinol, makes it possible to normalize sleep and wakefulness, and also improves cognitive abilities. Retinol is an antioxidant and protects cells from aging and destruction. Vitamin A also improves vision.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E improves blood circulation in the brain, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and allows you to keep good memory. Regular consumption of this vitamin is an excellent prevention of age-related neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin has a slight sedative effect, relieving increased irritability.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps to cope with the decline of long-term and short-term memory. It also makes it possible to avoid atherosclerosis.

All of these vitamins should be part of complexes designed to improve the functioning of the nervous system. To enhance their action, microelements are added to the preparations: iron, which saturates cells with oxygen, iodine, which improves cognitive abilities, selenium, which stimulates the nervous system, etc.

Causes of disruption of the nervous system

Disorders in the work of the nervous system can occur for various reasons:

hypoxia. Just six seconds after the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, a person loses consciousness, and after 15 irreversible neurological damage is formed. Chronic hypoxia caused by anemia and lack of iron in the body is also dangerous;
increase in body temperature. With prolonged fever, the metabolic rate increases, as a result of which resources are quickly depleted, and nervous processes are inhibited;
entry of toxic substances into the body. A group of neurotropic poisons is distinguished, which act selectively, affecting mainly nerve cells;
metabolic disorders, for example, diabetes mellitus, in 80% of cases leading to the development of neurological symptoms;
heredity. Some genetic diseases cause metabolic disorders in nerve cells. For example, with phenylketonuria, a large amount of toxic substances accumulate in the body that affect the cells of the nervous system;
brain injury (bruises, concussions);
overwork and frequent stress;
vascular diseases leading to impaired blood circulation of the brain;
oncological diseases. A tumor can not only affect the brain or spinal cord, but also cause intoxication of the body with the products of its decay.

Vitamins are essential in the treatment of many disorders of the nervous system. For example, when chronic hypoxia shows the intake of drugs with vitamins A and iron. For people with diabetes, special complexes have been developed that accelerate the rate of regeneration of nervous tissue.

Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms

You can learn more about the symptoms of disruption of the nervous system in the following video:

The nervous system reacts to vitamin deficiency in the following way:

efficiency drops: you have to make great efforts in order to cope with daily activities;
disturbed sleep and wakefulness. It can be both drowsiness and insomnia;
irritability appears;
short-term and long-term memory deteriorate;
causeless mood swings occur;
a person becomes distracted, it is difficult for him to concentrate.

Why is it important to take care of the state of the nervous system?

Contrary to the earlier opinion, scientists came to the conclusion that nerve cells are capable of recovery. True, in order to regain health, you will have to work hard and even change your lifestyle, as well as your diet and daily routine.

It is very important to do this: since malfunctions in the functioning of the nervous system affect the functioning of the body as a whole:

neurasthenia can eventually cause serious heart problems;
lack of blood circulation in the brain leads to the development of stroke and coronary disease;
due to malfunctions in the functioning of the nervous system, the quality of life decreases: the desire to work, spend time with friends, learn new information, etc. disappears.

The nervous system controls the functioning of the body as a whole. So, by healing it, you improve your health and give yourself longevity and energy.

Vitamin complexes for adults

In pharmacies, you can find a number of drugs to stabilize the nervous system:

Neurostabil. The drug, which includes vitamins of group B, vitamin A, C and E, as well as a complex of extracts medicinal plants, increases stress resistance and has a mild calming effect. Neurostabil should be taken three times a day after meals, the doctor selects the dosage depending on the severity of the symptoms of beriberi;
Neurostrong. The drug improves the blood circulation of the brain, helps to quickly recover from injuries or stroke, as well as surgical interventions. For the prevention of beriberi, it is recommended to take two tablets twice a day, if Neurostrong is prescribed for medicinal purposes, the dosage is doubled;
Vitrum Superstress. The complex allows you to normalize sleep, accelerates cell regeneration, and also strengthens the immune system. In addition to vitamins, the composition of the product includes folic acid, which improves metabolism, and iron, which improves blood composition;
Neurovit-R. This drug is used to treat diseases of the nervous system: neuritis, neuralgia, etc.;
Neurorubin-Forte. The composition of the product includes vitamins of the group and B and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the brain.

Before you buy a vitamin complex, you should talk to your doctor: some drugs have side effects and, if taken uncontrolled, can be harmful to health.

Vitamins for children

For children there are special vitamin complexes, contributing to the improvement of the nervous system:

Alphabet. This complex is adapted for the child's body: it does not contain dyes and flavors, so even small children can take it;
Multitabs. The Danish-made drug is available in several forms and is suitable for children from birth to 18 years;
Vitrum. The drug is available in the form chewable tablets. The complex is indicated to increase appetite and with seasonal beriberi, it is also recommended for the prevention of overwork during school hours.

It is important to remember that hypervitaminosis is no less dangerous than hypovitaminosis. Therefore, parents should strictly control the intake of vitamin complexes by the child.

How to help your nervous system recover?

In order for the work of the nervous system to normalize, the following recommendations must be followed:

take vitamin complexes prescribed by a therapist. It is very important to get the doctor's opinion about which vitamins are best suited and which drugs will have the best effect on the body;
give up strong tea and coffee: the substances contained in these drinks have a stimulating effect, however, in the presence of neurological disorders, their regular use causes a rapid depletion of the resources of the nervous system;
avoid stress and give yourself time to rest and relax;
eat right: the nervous system may suffer from a lack of amino acids, which are the “building material” that is necessary for the restoration of nervous tissue;
to refuse from bad habits;
adhere to a strict daily regimen: try to get up, eat and go to bed at the same time;
try to sleep at least seven hours a day;
spend time outdoors or ventilate the room more often: this will help to avoid hypoxia.

To stabilize the work of the nervous system, breathing exercises are shown. It is very easy to learn them:

inhale deeply with your stomach, trying to make it puff up, hold your breath for a couple of seconds and slowly push the air out through your nose. The cycle should be repeated 3-4 times: this will help you calm down and collect your thoughts;
go to an open window and take a deep breath, slowly raising your hands up until they meet above your head. Hold your breath and exhale as you lower your arms. Repeat the exercise three times.

These simple recommendations help to tidy up the nervous system. However, it is better not to self-medicate, but to consult a specialist who can determine the cause. unpleasant symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Ask your doctor to help you choose the most suitable drug, and strictly follow the prescribed dosage: the result will not be long in coming!

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"Nerve cells do not regenerate" - myth or reality?

As the hero of Leonid Bronevoy, the county doctor, said: “the head is a dark object, it is not subject to research ...”. A compact accumulation of nerve cells called the brain, although it has been studied by neurophysiologists for a long time, scientists have not yet been able to get answers to all questions related to the functioning of neurons.

Essence of the question

Some time ago, until the 90s of the last century, it was believed that the number of neurons in the human body has a constant value and it is impossible to restore damaged brain nerve cells if lost. In part, this statement is indeed true: during the development of the embryo, nature lays a huge reserve of cells.

Even before birth, a newborn child loses almost 70% of the formed neurons as a result of programmed cell death - apoptosis. Neuronal death continues throughout life.

Starting from the age of thirty, this process is activated - a person loses doneurons every day. As a result of such losses, the brain of an old person is reduced by about 15% compared to its volume in youth and mature years.

It is characteristic that scientists note this phenomenon only in humans - in other mammals, including primates, the age-related decrease in the brain, and as a result, senile dementia is not observed. Perhaps this is due to the fact that animals in nature do not live to advanced years.

Scientists believe that the aging of brain tissue is a natural process laid down by nature, and is a consequence of longevity acquired by a person. A lot of body energy is spent on the work of the brain, so when there is no need for increased activity, nature reduces the energy consumption of brain tissue, spending energy on maintaining other body systems.

These data do support the common expression that nerve cells do not regenerate. And why, if the body in a normal state does not need to restore dead neurons - there is a supply of cells, with an abundance designed for a lifetime.

Observation of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease showed that clinical manifestations diseases manifest when almost 90% of the neurons in the midbrain responsible for controlling movements die. When neurons die, their functions are taken over by neighboring nerve cells. They increase in size and form new connections between neurons.

So, if in a person's life "...everything goes according to plan", neurons lost in genetically incorporated quantities are not restored - there is simply no need for this.

More precisely, the formation of new neurons occurs. Throughout life, a certain number of new nerve cells are constantly produced. The brain of primates, including humans, produces several thousand neurons every day. But the natural loss of nerve cells is still much greater.

But the plan may fall apart. Neuronal death can occur. Certainly not for lack of positive emotions, but, for example, as a result of mechanical damage due to injuries. This is where the ability to regenerate nerve cells comes into play. Scientists' research proves that brain tissue transplantation is possible, in which not only the graft is not rejected, but the introduction of donor cells leads to the restoration of the recipient's nervous tissue.

Teri Wallis precedent

In addition to experiments on mice, the case of Terry Wallis, who spent twenty years in a coma after a severe car accident, can serve as evidence for scientists. Relatives refused to take Terry off life support after doctors diagnosed him in a vegetative state.

After a twenty-year break, Terry Wallis regained consciousness. Now he can already pronounce meaningful words, joke. Gradually recovering and some motor functions, although this is complicated by the fact that for such a long time of inactivity, all the muscles of the body have atrophied in a man.

Research on the brain of Terry Wallis by scientists demonstrates phenomenal phenomena: Terry's brain grows new neural structures to replace those lost in the accident.

Moreover, new formations have a shape and location that are different from the usual ones. It seems that the brain grows new neurons where it is more convenient for it, without trying to restore those lost due to injury. Experiments conducted with patients in a vegetative state have proven that patients are able to answer questions and respond to requests. True, this can only be fixed by the activity of the brain system using magnetic resonance imaging. This discovery can radically change the attitude towards patients who have fallen into a vegetative state.

An increase in the number of dying neurons can contribute not only to extreme situations like traumatic brain injuries. Stress, malnutrition, ecology - all these factors can increase the number of nerve cells lost by a person. The state of stress also reduces the formation of new neurons. stressful situations, experienced during fetal development and in the first time after birth, can cause a decrease in the number of nerve cells in a future life.

How to restore neurons

Instead of asking the problem whether it is possible to restore nerve cells at all, maybe it is worth deciding - is it worth it? In the report of Professor G. Hueter at the World Congress of Psychiatrists, he spoke about the observation of the novices of the monastery in Canada. Many of the observed women were over a hundred years old. And all of them demonstrated excellent mental and mental health: no characteristic senile degenerative changes were found in their brains.

According to the professor, four factors contribute to the preservation of neuroplasticity - the ability to regenerate brain:

the strength of social ties and friendly relations with loved ones;
the ability to learn and the realization of this ability throughout life;
balance between what is desired and what is in reality;
sustainable outlook.

All these factors were exactly what the nuns had.

A balanced, moderate diet also contributes to brain health. We will not discuss a drug that really restores nerve cells in this article.

Because the appointment of drugs should be carried out by specialists. Stimulate the processes of regeneration of nerve cells can food with low content calories and the presence in the diet of certain minerals and vitamins.

After all, it is known that all diseases are caused by nerves. Eat right - it's also good for the figure. And give your brain a constant load. The brain, like any other organ, atrophies in inactivity. Live long and happily!

Repair of damaged brain cells

Functions of the cell membrane

The most important structural components Neurons, like any other cells, are cell membranes. They usually have a multilayer structure and consist of a special class of fatty compounds - phospholipids, as well as proteins penetrating them.

Causes of damage to brain cells

The pathological processes underlying the damage and death of nerve cells are of a universal nature. With any damage to neurons, cell membranes suffer, which leads to a violation of their various functions, primarily mechanical, barrier and transport.

The drug for the restoration of brain cells - Cerakson

Fortunately, modern neuropharmacology is increasingly providing physicians and their patients with the opportunity to restore the functions of damaged neurons and prevent their further death, even under conditions of continued exposure to pathological factors.

The mechanism of action of Ceraxon

The main mechanism of action of Ceraxon is its ability to more than replenish the supply of phospholipids in the cell lost due to damage to its membranes or in the process of “autocannibalism” that has begun. This contributes to the restoration of damaged cell membranes, suppression of lipid peroxidation reactions and apoptosis.

Indications for use of Ceraxon

Thus, Ceraxon is effective in vascular diseases of the brain. In traumatic brain injury, the drug reduces the duration of the coma period and the severity of neurological symptoms. This has been proven by a number of clinical studies.

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The brain of a newborn baby contains 100 billion nerve cells - neurons. It is believed that their number remains unchanged throughout life. As a person grows older and his intellect develops, not the number of neurons increases, but the number and complexity of the connections between them. The death of nerve cells as a result of illness or injury is irreparable - a person loses the ability to think, feel, speak, move - depending on which parts of the brain are damaged. Therefore, there is an expression: "nerve cells are not restored."

To the question: is it possible to restore damaged nerve tissue? - science has long answered in the negative. However, academic research Russian Academy natural sciences, a member of the International Institutes of Embryology and Developmental Biology, Lev Vladimirovich Polezhaev, testify otherwise: under certain conditions, nerve cells can be restored.

Academician L. POLEZHAEV.

Mysteries of neurons

Doctors have long known that when different parts of the human brain are damaged, nerve cells (neurons) lose their ability to conduct electrical impulses. In addition, with brain injuries, neurons change greatly: their numerous branched processes that receive and transmit nerve impulses disappear, the cells shrivel and decrease in size. After such a transformation, neurons are no longer able to perform their main work in the body. But nerve cells do not work - there is no thinking, emotions, complex manifestations of a person's mental life. Therefore, injury to the nervous tissue, especially in the brain, leads to irreparable consequences. This applies not only to humans, but also to mammals.

But what about other animals - do all of them have nervous tissue that is not restored after damage? It turns out that in fish, newts, axolotls, salamanders, frogs and lizards, the nerve cells of the brain are capable of recovery.

Why, then, in some animals, the nervous tissue has the ability to regenerate, while others do not? And is it really so? This question has occupied the minds of scientists for many years.

What is, in general, the restoration of nervous tissue? This is either the appearance of new nerve cells that will take over the functions of dead neurons, or the return of nerve cells that have changed as a result of injury to their original working state.

The still undeveloped cells of the deep layers of the brain can become a source of restoration of the nervous tissue. They turn into the so-called neuroblasts - the precursors of nerve cells, and then - into neurons. This phenomenon was discovered in 1967 by the German researcher W. Kirsche - first in frogs and axolotls, and then also in rats.

Another way was noticed: after brain damage, the remaining nerve cells brighten, two nuclei are formed inside them, then the cytoplasm is divided in half, and as a result of this division, two neurons are obtained. This is how new nerve cells appear. The Russian biologist I. Rampan, who worked at the Institute of the Brain, was the first to discover in 1956 exactly this method of restoring nervous tissue in rats, dogs, wolves and other animal species.

In 1981-1985, the American researcher F. Nottebom discovered that similar processes occur in singing male canaries. They greatly increase the areas of the brain responsible for singing - as it turned out, due to the fact that new neurons appear in these areas.

In the 1970s, at Kiev and Saratov Universities, and at the Moscow Medical Institute, researchers studied rats and dogs with damage to various parts of the brain. Under a microscope, it was possible to trace how nerve cells multiply along the edges of the wound and new neurons appear. However, the nerve tissue in the area of injury was not completely restored. The question arose: is it possible to somehow stimulate the process of cell division and thereby cause the appearance of new neurons?

Nervous tissue transplant
Scientists tried to solve the problem of restoring nervous tissue in this way - to transplant nervous tissue taken from adult mammals into the brain of other animals of the same species. But these attempts did not lead to success - the transplanted tissue was resorbed. In 1962-1963, the author of the article and his collaborator E. N. Karnaukhova took a different path - they transplanted a piece of the brain from one rat to another, using crushed, cell-free nervous tissue for transplantation. The experiment turned out to be successful - the brain tissue of the animals was restored.

In the 1970s, in many countries of the world, they began to carry out transplants into the brain of nervous tissue not of adult animals, but of embryos. At the same time, the embryonic nervous tissue was not rejected, but took root, developed and connected with the nerve cells of the host's brain, that is, it felt at home. The researchers explained this paradoxical fact by the fact that embryonic tissue is more stable than adult tissue.

In addition, this method had other advantages - a piece of embryonic tissue was not rejected during transplantation. Why? The thing is that the brain tissue is separated from the rest of the internal environment of the body by the so-called blood-brain barrier. This barrier keeps large molecules and cells from other parts of the body out of the brain. The blood-brain barrier is made up of tightly packed cells in the interior of the thin blood vessels in the brain. The blood-brain barrier, which was disturbed during the transplantation of the nervous tissue, is restored after some time. Everything that is located inside the barrier - including the transplanted piece of embryonic nervous tissue - the body considers "its own". This piece appears to be in a privileged position. Therefore, immune cells, which usually contribute to the rejection of everything foreign, do not react to this piece, and it successfully takes root in the brain. Transplanted neurons with their processes connect with the processes of the host neurons and literally grow into a thin and complex structure cerebral cortex.

The following fact also plays an important role: during transplantation, decay products of the nervous tissue are released from the destroyed nervous tissue of both the host and the graft. They somehow rejuvenate the host's nervous tissue. As a result, the brain is almost completely restored.

This method of transplantation of nervous tissue began to spread rapidly in different countries peace. It turned out that transplantation of nervous tissue can also be carried out in humans. Thus, it became possible to treat some neurological and mental diseases.

For example, in Parkinson's disease, a special part of the brain, the substantia nigra, is destroyed in a patient. It produces a substance - dopamine, which in healthy people is transmitted along the nerve processes to the neighboring part of the brain and regulates various movements. In Parkinson's disease, this process is disrupted. A person cannot make purposeful movements, his hands tremble, his body gradually loses mobility.

Today, several hundred patients with Parkinson's disease have been operated on with the help of embryonic transplantation in Sweden, Mexico, the USA, and Cuba. They regained the ability to move, and some returned to work.

Transplantation of embryonic nerve tissue into the wound area can also help with severe head injuries. Such work is now being carried out at the Institute of Neurosurgery in Kyiv, which is headed by Academician A.P. Romodanov, and in some American clinics.

With the help of embryonic transplantation of nervous tissue, it was possible to improve the condition of patients with the so-called Huntington's disease, in which a person cannot control his movements. This is due to the disruption of some parts of the brain. After transplantation of embryonic nervous tissue into the affected area, the patient gradually gains control over his movements.

It is possible that doctors will be able to improve the memory and cognitive abilities of those patients whose brain is destroyed by Alzheimer's disease with the help of nerve tissue transplantation.

Neurons can regenerate
In the laboratory of experimental neurogenetics of the Institute of General Genetics. NI Vavilov Academy of Sciences of the USSR for several years conducted experiments on animals to establish the causes of death of nerve cells and to understand the possibility of their recovery. The author of the article and his colleagues found that under conditions of acute oxygen starvation, some neurons shrank or dissolved, while the rest somehow struggled with the lack of oxygen. However, at the same time, the production of protein and nucleic acids in neurons sharply decreased, and the cells lost their ability to conduct nerve impulses.

After oxygen starvation, a piece of embryonic nervous tissue was transplanted into the brain of rats. The transplants were successfully engrafted. The processes of their neurons connected with the processes of neurons in the host's brain. The researchers found that this process is somehow enhanced by the decay products of the nervous tissue that are released during the operation. Apparently, it was they who stimulated the regeneration of nerve cells. Thanks to some substances contained in the destroyed nervous tissue, the shrunken and reduced in size neurons gradually restored their normal appearance. Active production of biologically important molecules began in them, and the cells again became capable of conducting nerve impulses.

What exactly is the product of the breakdown of the nervous tissue of the brain that gives impetus to the regeneration of nerve cells? The search gradually led to the conclusion that the most important informational RNA ("understudy" of the DNA heredity molecule). On the basis of this molecule, specific proteins are synthesized in the cell from amino acids. The introduction of this RNA into the brain led to the complete restoration of nerve cells that had changed after oxygen starvation. The behavior of the animals after the RNA injection was the same as that of their healthy counterparts.

It would be much more convenient to introduce RNA into the blood vessels of animals. But it turned out to be difficult to do this - large molecules did not pass through the blood-brain barrier. However, the permeability of the barrier can be controlled, for example, by injecting a saline solution. If the blood-brain barrier is temporarily opened in this way, and then RNA is injected, then the RNA molecule will reach the target.

The author of the article, together with an organic chemist from the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry V.P. Chekhonin, decided to improve the method. They combined the RNA with a surfactant, which acted as a "tug" and allowed large RNA molecules to pass into the brain. In 1993, the experiments were crowned with success. By using electron microscopy managed to trace how the cells of the brain capillaries seem to "swallow" and then release RNA into the brain.

Thus, a method of regeneration of nervous tissue was developed, completely safe, harmless and very simple. It is hoped that this method will give doctors a weapon against severe mental illnesses, which today are considered incurable. However, for the application of these developments in the clinic, it is required, according to the instructions of the Russian Ministry of Health and the Pharmaceutical Committee, to test the drug for mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and toxicity. The review will take 2-3 years. Unfortunately, the experimental work is currently suspended: there is no funding. Meanwhile, this work is of great importance, since there are many patients with schizophrenia, senile dementia, and manic-depressive psychosis in our country. In many cases, doctors are powerless to do anything, and patients slowly die.

Literature

Polezhaev L. V., Aleksandrova M. A. Transplantation of brain tissue in normal and pathological conditions. M., 1986.

Polezhaev L. V. and others. Transplantation of brain tissue in biology and medicine. M., 1993.

Polezhaev L. Transplantation heals the brain."Science and Life" No. 5, 1989.

neurons and the brain

In the brain of humans and mammals, scientists identify areas and nuclei - dense clusters of neurons. There are also cerebral cortex and subcortical regions. All these areas of the brain consist of neurons and are interconnected by processes of neurons. Each neuron has one axon - a long process and many dendrites - short processes. The specific connections between neurons are called synapses. Neurons are surrounded by cells of a different kind - gliocytes. They play the role of supporting and nourishing cells for neurons. Neurons are easily damaged, very vulnerable: 5-10 minutes after the oxygen supply has stopped, they die.

Glossary for the article

Neurons- nerve cells.

Blood-brain barrier- a structure from the cells of the inner part of the capillaries of the brain, which does not allow large molecules and cells from other parts of the body to enter the brain.

Synapse- a special connection of nerve cells.

hypoxia- lack of oxygen.

graft- a piece of tissue that is transplanted into another animal (recipient).

RNA- a molecule that duplicates hereditary information and serves as the basis for protein synthesis.

The current time is referred to as the age of brain research. One of the most interesting topics in the field of scientific research of this organ has become the ability of the brain to change its structural and functional properties as a response to human experience gained throughout life. For most of history, neuroscientists have assumed that the basic brain structure is predetermined before birth, and the only changes that can occur in it are degenerative, the result of disease, injury (concussion, TBI). Modern scientists have directed research towards brain restoration. What conclusions did they come to? Is the brain recovering or not?

Research results

Two major discoveries were made by scientists involved in neural networks and human brain research. A study published in Cell Stem Cell reports that Japanese doctors have begun cultivating the human brain. The journal Science presented a material on how chemical destruction was prevented by stimulating the regeneration (update) of the brain and spinal neural network.

- This is a structural unit of nervous tissue, under a microscope, resembling a body with tentacles. The task of a neuron is to receive and process information.

The Japanese proceeded from brain cells, which were multiplied tenfold by appropriate cultivation and enriched in accordance with the structure of the brain of a human embryo. It was also found that in the resulting particles of the medulla, the size of which is 1-2 mm, nervous activity spontaneously arises, measured in electromagnetic impulses. Scientists from the city of Kobe believe that in the future it will be possible to create brain tissue structures that can be implanted in place of parts damaged by disease (ischemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, etc.) or trauma.

Brain neurons are not capable of regenerating like their counterparts in the nerve endings. Another way to save damaged parts of the brain or spinal cord (injuries often lead to serious consequences, including paralysis, coma) is to activate the possibility of regeneration in both major organs of the nervous system. In experiments on mice, a team led by Dr. Che Kyan at Harvard Medical School in Boston was able to answer the question of whether brain cells regenerate by altering the process chemically. In mice, scientists have genetically engineered the release of mTOR, a substance that responds to neuronal regeneration. It is present in a newborn, but is destroyed in an adult, especially after injuries. Thanks to this process, scientists were able to restore almost half of the damaged optic nerve behind a short time(2 weeks). Even the formation of new axons has been recorded.

Che Qian summed up: “We knew that after the end of development, the networks stop growing due to genetic mechanisms. We believe that one of these mechanisms can also restore regeneration, stop death after injuries.”

Achievements in the field emergency medicine provided more survivors of brain-damaged patients. Today it is known that the brain of an adult is able to rebuild its functional connections, creating new ones, and changing physiological parameters. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity, it has become the basis of the method of treating diseases of various origins.

Fewer cells die and more form in autistic people. We can say that autism, paradoxically, is a disorder that has a beneficial effect on the brain.

The hippocampus and brain recovery

According to the latest data, the human brain contains about 85 billion nerve cells (neurons). It is known that during life there is a gradual loss of these cells (they begin to die around the age of 30).

One of the first studies to generate interest in brain plasticity among lay people was by Eleanor Maguire of University College London. She found that London taxi drivers have a much more developed hippocampus than bus drivers. The hippocampus is the brain part responsible, among other things, for the perception of space. Given the fact that taxi drivers have to remember many street names, their locations and connections, it has been suggested that this change is due to spatial orientation training that bus drivers lack.

The problem with this study is that it does not distinguish between congenital and acquired function. In this context, studies of violinists have provided interesting results, showing that these musicians have a much larger surface area of the motor (motor) cortex related to the fingers of the left hand. This corresponds to the fact that when playing the violin, each finger of the left hand must make an independent movement. At the same time, on the right hand, all fingers work together. Against the Opportunity Objection genetic predisposition the fact is that the difference between the organization of the left and right hemispheres is directly proportional to the age when the musicians began to play the violin.

Reorganization of the cerebral cortex has also been observed in people with congenital visual or auditory defects. According to the “use it or loose it” principle, another function can use the unused cerebral cortex. Areas originally intended for processing visual or auditory stimuli are stripped of them, and their space is used for other functions, such as tactile. Reorganization is the result of the growth of long processes of neurons, axons. After a head injury with brain damage, neural connections can be repaired or replaced with new connections that compensate for the lost function in another part of the brain.

One of the greatest surprises of recent times is the discovery that the adult brain can, in some areas, create completely new neurons from stem cells, a process influenced by human experience.

neurogenesis

Information not known to the general public is that the brain creates new cells throughout life. This phenomenon is called neurogenesis.

The human brain consists of many parts (but cellular renewal does not occur in all). Neurogenesis is observed in the place responsible for olfactory sensations, and in the hippocampus, which plays an important role as a memory.

The experts also found that damaged brains also produce new cells. Evidence of higher neurogenesis during illness was presented by the New Zealand University of Auckland, who studied people with Huntington's disease, in which the mental abilities of a person decrease, uncoordinated movements appear. The creation of new neurons was most intense in the most affected tissues. Unfortunately, this is not enough to suppress the disease. Identifying the conditions under which this process occurs and stimulating it could lead to the treatment of Huntington's or Parkinson's disease by transplanting stem cells into the affected areas of the brain.

In studying the neuroplasticity of the brain, medical science is taking its first steps. The next step is an accurate description of the conditions under which its changes occur, the definition of a specific impact on individual functions in a person's life. To understand and use knowledge of neuroplasticity, it is also necessary to analyze the genes associated with the growth of axons or neurons from stem cells.

The Importance of Neurogenesis

According to recent estimates, about 700 new brain cells are produced daily in the hippocampus. At first glance, this number does not seem large, but the creation of each new neuron is very important, especially for psychological state person. If there is a cessation of the formation of new cells, psychosis begins to manifest. The restoration of brain neurons is relevant for learning, memory, intelligence (study of certain places, orientation in space, quality of memories).

Recent scientific studies have shown that you can improve the production of new brain cells on your own, i.e. at home. What activities have a positive effect on the formation of neurons?

Neuron production increases:

education;
sex;
training of cognitive functions;
mnemonics;
physical activity (significant help);
nutrition (regular meals, longer pauses between meals)
vitamin P (flavonoids);
omega-3 (also a good antidepressant).

Neuron production reduces:

stress;
depression;
lack of sleep;
a diet rich in saturated fats;
anesthesia used during the operation;
alcohol;
drugs (especially amphetamines);
smoking;
age (neurogenesis continues with age, but slows down).

Neurons can die in a number of diseases:

epilepsy - cell death occurs during an attack;
cervical osteochondrosis - neurons die due to circulatory disorders;
hydrocephalus;
encephalopathy;
multiple sclerosis;
Parkinson's disease is a disease characteristic disorder mobility of the legs, arms, cerebellar signs(due to damage to the amygdala);
- a disease leading to dementia, a disorder of speech functions (due to damage to speech receptors).

Neurons may temporarily stop updating when taking certain cancer medications. Therefore, after cancer treatment pharmaceutical preparations people suffer from depression. After the restoration of neurogenesis, depression disappears.

It is safe to say that the formation of new brain cells in healthy people occurs naturally. However, the process will accelerate or slow down, largely depends on the person himself.

What supports the creation of new neurons?

In addition to being able to renew itself, the brain is constantly changing, adapting to external environment, optimizing its activities in accordance with human living conditions. In case of injury, severe intoxication with poisons, medicines, microstroke, circulatory disorders occur (blood flow to the brain decreases), hypoxia (oxygen starvation) develops, from the affected areas, functions can be transferred to intact segments, from one hemisphere to another. So a person is able to learn new things, create new habits at any age.

The brain is affected by everyday life, ways of doing things, constant habits. For the maximum manifestation of his wonderful abilities, activity is necessary, stimulation of brain activity in all possible ways.

electrical stimulation

Targeted electrical stimulation supports the cooperation of neurons in a specific center. It is a non-invasive, non-drug therapy performed by conducting a low current through electrodes placed on the head. Electrical stimulation is able to restore brain activity and restore neurons by selectively activating defense mechanisms in the brain, causing increased excretion endorphins, serotonin.

Physical activity

Physical activity and the process of neurogenesis are closely related. With an increase in heart rate and blood flow through the vessels during physical exertion, the levels of factors that stimulate neurogenesis increase. Physical activity also leaches endorphins, reducing stress hormones (especially cortisol). At the same time, testosterone levels rise, which also promotes neurogenesis.

To prevent the negative effects of aging on both the body and the brain, physical activity is an excellent choice. It combines both of these goals. It is not necessary to lift dumbbells or do exercises in a fitness center. Enough regular vigorous walking, swimming, dancing, cycling. These actions strengthen weakened muscles, improve blood circulation, mental abilities.

Any action aimed at reducing tension, stress, promotes neurogenesis. Choose an activity that suits your preferences.

Freshness of mind

There are many ways to regenerate neurons while keeping a fresh, sharp mind. Various actions can help with this:

reading - read every day; reading makes you think, makes connections, supports the imagination, sparks interest in everything, including others possible types mental activity;
learning or developing knowledge of a foreign language;
game on musical instrument, listening to music, singing;
critical perception of reality, study and search for truth;
openness to everything new, sensitivity to environment, communication with people, travel, discovery of nature and the world, new interests and hobbies.

Underrated and yet effective method support of brain activity - hand writing. It supports memory, develops imagination, activates the brain centers, coordinating the movement of the muscles involved in the writing process (up to 500). Another advantage of hand writing is the preservation of elasticity, mobility of the joints, muscles of the hand, coordination of fine motor skills.

Nutrition

In connection with the topic under consideration, it must be said that the human brain is 70% fat. Fat is part of every cell in the body, incl. brain tissue, where in the form of myelin is the insulation surrounding the nerve endings. Brain cells create it from sugar, i.e. do not wait for the intake of fat from food. But it is important to eat healthy fats that do not contribute to the onset and development of inflammation. The main health benefits are omega-3 fats.

Many people, hearing the word "fat", involuntarily shudder. In an attempt to maintain a slim waist, they buy fat-free products. These foods are unhealthy, often even harmful, because the fat is replaced by sugar or other ingredients.

Eliminating fat from the diet is a mistake. Its limitation must be strictly selective. Hydrogenated fats found in industrially processed margarines food products are harmful to the body. Unsaturated fatty acid on the contrary, are useful. Without fat, the body is unable to absorb vitamins A, D, E, K. They are soluble only in fat, which are of great importance for brain activity. But you also need saturated fats from animal sources (eggs, butter, cheese).

Low-calorie nutrition is good, but it should be varied, balanced. It is known that the brain consumes a lot of energy. Provide it in the morning. Cereals with yogurt and a spoonful of honey - the perfect breakfast option.

How to restore the brain with the help of products and folk remedies:

Turmeric. Curcumin affects neurogenesis, increases the manifestation of the neuropathic factor, which is necessary for a number of neurological functions.
Blueberry. The flavonoids contained in blueberries stimulate the growth of new neurons, improve the cognitive functions of the brain.
Green tea. This drink contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which promotes the growth of new brain neurons.
Brahmi. Clinical researches, studying the effect of the Brahmi plant (bacopa monnieri) on brain function, showed that after 12 weeks of use, verbal learning, memory, and the speed of processing the information received were significantly improved in volunteers.

Sun. Healthy exposure to sunlight on the body - 10-15 minutes a day. This contributes to the formation of vitamin D, affects the secretion of serotonin, the growth of brain factors that directly affect neurogenesis.
Dream. Its abundance or deficiency significantly affects the activity of the brain. Lack of sleep causes inhibition of neurogenesis in the hippocampus, disrupts the balance of hormones, and reduces the degree of mental activity.
Sex. Sexual activity increases the secretion of happiness hormones, endorphins, reduces anxiety, tension, stress, promotes neurogenesis.

The positive effects of meditation on the human brain and overall health are scientifically documented. It has been repeatedly proven that regular meditation leads to the growth of gray matter in several areas of the brain, including the hippocampus.

Meditation stimulates the development of certain cognitive abilities, especially attention, memory, concentration.
Meditation improves understanding of reality, focusing on the present, and prevents the mind from being burdened by fears of the past or future.
During meditation, the brain works in a different rhythm. In the first phases, increased activity occurs, which is manifested by a higher amplitude of α-waves. In the process of meditation (during the following phases), δ-waves arise, associated with the regeneration of the body, rehabilitation after illnesses.
Meditation done in the evening stimulates the brain by increasing melatonin production, which is part of the neurogenesis process. The body relaxes.

Monoatomic gold

Ormus, monoatomic (monatomic) gold is often associated with increased intelligence, overall brain health. David Hudson, who discovered the ormus and began its analysis, said that the substance is able to restore the body at the genetic level. Ormus professionals also claim that monoatomic gold can correct DNA errors and even activate dormant DNA.

What not to do?

Mental health (according to experts) is more important than physical condition itself. So, how to support brain function? First of all, you need to know what harms him.

Contaminated air

The brain consumes a significant amount of oxygen necessary for its correct operation. But modern man is constantly exposed to polluted air (exhaust Vehicle, dust from industrial production). People from larger cities have frequent headaches, short-term disorders memory. Longer inhalation of polluted air causes permanent changes in the brain.

Alcohol and cigarettes

In addition to causing cancer, heart disease and a range of other health problems, new research shows that alcohol and nicotine can impair brain function.

Unlike alcohol, nicotine compounds do not directly damage brain cells, but lead to other neurological disorders, incl. To multiple sclerosis. Long-term alcohol consumption, long binges, except for "delirious tremens" cause a chemical imbalance leading to structural disorders. It has been shown that the volume of the skull decreases in alcoholics.

Lack of sleep

The body, including the brain, recovers as much as possible during sleep. Prolonged lack of sleep can be detrimental the most important body. The body does not have time to create new neurons, and the old ones lose their ability to interact with nerve cells. For insomnia caused by overexertion, it is better to take a sleeping pill.

Relaxation for neurons

There are several points on the head that stimulate the overstressed nervous system. Place the fingers of both hands just above the ears, gently massage the skin, applying light pressure. Do the same on the top of the head. Finally, massage your temples and chewing muscles on your cheeks.

Don't close your head

And one interesting thing. The fact that the brain needs enough oxygen is explained above. But did you know that children can have problems with this? They like to hide under the covers, often falling asleep like that. During sleep, the amount of exhaled carbon dioxide increases. This reduces the level of oxygen, which interferes with the proper functioning of the brain.

This also applies to adults. Make sure you have enough fresh air while you sleep.

Change your brain

The conclusions of scientists are significant for everyone. Research shows that people of all ages can learn new things and form new habits. What we learn in life, who we surround ourselves with, what and how we decide to do, how we think, determines who we are, what vision of the world we have. The more a person is open to new stimuli and knowledge, the more he develops his brain.

some neurons die even during fetal development, many continue to do so after birth and throughout a person's life, which is genetically incorporated. But along with this phenomenon, another thing happens - the restoration of neurons in some brain regions.

The process by which the formation of a nerve cell occurs (both in the prenatal period and in life) is called "neurogenesis".

The widely known statement that nerve cells do not regenerate was once made in 1928 by Santiago Ramon-i-Halem, a Spanish neurohistologist. This position lasted until the end of the last century until the appearance of Research Article E. Gould and C. Cross, which cited facts proving the production of new brain cells, although back in the 60–80s. some scientists tried to convey this discovery to the scientific world.

Where are cells regenerated?

Currently, "adult" neurogenesis has been studied at a level that allows us to draw a conclusion about where it occurs. There are two such areas.

Subventricular zone (located around the cerebral ventricles). The process of regeneration of neurons in this department is continuous and has some peculiarities. In animals, stem cells (the so-called progenitors) migrate to the olfactory bulb after their division and transformation into neuroblasts, where they continue their transformation into full-fledged neurons. In the department of the human brain, the same process occurs, with the exception of migration, which is most likely due to the fact that the function of smell is not so vital for a person, unlike animals.
Hippocampus. This is a paired part of the brain, which is responsible for orientation in space, consolidating memories and the formation of emotions. Neurogenesis in this section is especially active - about 700 nerve cells appear here per day.

Some scientists argue that in the human brain, neuronal regeneration can also occur in other structures, such as the cerebral cortex.

Modern ideas that the formation of nerve cells is present in the adult period of human life opens up great opportunities in the invention of methods for the treatment of degenerative brain diseases - Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and the like, the consequences of traumatic brain injuries, strokes.

Scientists are currently trying to figure out what exactly promotes neuronal repair. Thus, it has been established that astrocytes (special neuroglial cells), which are the most stable after cellular damage, produce substances that stimulate neurogenesis. It is also suggested that one of the growth factors, activin A, in combination with other chemical compounds enables nerve cells to suppress inflammation. This, in turn, promotes their regeneration. Features of both processes are still insufficiently studied.

Influence of external factors on the recovery process

Neurogenesis is an ongoing process, which can be negatively affected by various factors from time to time. Some of them are known in modern neuroscience.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy used in the treatment of cancer. Progenitor cells are affected by these processes and stop dividing.
Chronic stress and depression. The number of brain cells that are in the division stage decreases sharply during the period when a person experiences negative emotional feelings.
Age. The intensity of the process of formation of new neurons decreases with age, which affects the processes of attention and memory.
Ethanol. It has been established that alcohol damages astrocytes, which are involved in the production of new hippocampal cells.

Positive effect on neurons

Scientists are faced with the task of studying as fully as possible the effects of exposure external factors on neurogenesis in order to understand how certain diseases are born and what can contribute to their cure.

A study of the formation of brain neurons, which was carried out on mice, showed that physical activity directly affected cell division. Animals running on the wheel gave positive results compared to those sitting idle. The same factor had a positive effect, including on those rodents that had an "old" age. In addition, neurogenesis was enhanced by mental stress – solving problems in labyrinths.

Currently, experiments are being intensively carried out, which aim to find substances or other therapeutic effects that promote the formation of neurons. Yes, in scientific world some of them are known.

Stimulation of the process of neurogenesis using biodegradable hydrogels has shown positive result in stem cell cultures.
Antidepressants not only help to cope with clinical depression, but also affect the recovery of neurons in those suffering from this disease. Due to the fact that the disappearance of symptoms of depression with drug therapy occurs in about one month, and the process of cell regeneration takes the same amount, scientists have suggested that the appearance of this disease directly depends on the fact that neurogenesis in the hippocampus slows down.
In studies aimed at exploring the search for ways to repair tissues after ischemic stroke, it was found that peripheral brain stimulation and physical therapy increased neurogenesis.
Regular exposure to dopamine receptor agonists stimulates cell repair after damage (for example, in Parkinson's disease). Important for this process is a different combination of drugs.
The introduction of tenascin-C, an intercellular matrix protein, acts on cell receptors and increases the regeneration of axons (neuronal processes).

Stem cell applications

Separately, it is necessary to say about the stimulation of neurogenesis through the introduction of stem cells, which are the precursors of neurons. This method is potentially effective as a treatment for degenerative brain diseases. Currently, it has only been performed on animals.

For these purposes, primary cells of the mature brain are used, which have been preserved since the time of embryonic development and are capable of dividing. After division and transplantation, they take root and turn into neurons in the very departments already known as the places in which neurogenesis takes place - the subventricular zone and the hippocampus. In other areas, they form glial cells, but not neurons.

After scientists realized that nerve cells are regenerated from neuronal stem cells, they suggested the possibility of stimulating neurogenesis through other stem cells - blood. The truth turned out to be that they penetrate the brain, but form binuclear cells, merging with already existing neurons.

The main problem of the method lies in the immaturity of "adult" brain stem cells, so there is a risk that after transplantation they may not differentiate or die. The challenge for researchers is to determine what specifically causes a stem cell to become a neuron. This knowledge will allow, after the fence, to “give” her the necessary biochemical signal to start the transformation.

Another serious difficulty encountered in the implementation of this method as a therapy is the rapid division of stem cells after their transplantation, which in a third of cases leads to the formation of cancerous tumors.

So, in the modern scientific world, the question of whether the formation of neurons occurs is not worth it: it is already not only known that neurons can be restored, but also, to some extent, it has been determined what factors can influence this process. Although the main research discoveries in this area are yet to come.

Our brain is an amazing and unique creation. Scientists to this day cannot reveal and explain absolutely all of its functions and capabilities. In science there is a term "neurogenesis". It refers to the ability of the brain to generate new neurons from stem and progenitor cells. It appeared not so long ago, because it was previously believed that lost neural connections and nerve cells are not able to recover. But numerous studies have proven otherwise.

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For a long time, the scientific and medical world was dominated by the opinion that nerve cells die constantly and become less and less with age. This explains the gradual loss of cognitive abilities in older people. Physicians were also convinced that bad habits, traumatic brain injury and some other factors inevitably lead to the destruction of brain cells. Partly it is. But they did not take into account the fact that lost cells can be fully restored. A person is quite capable of regaining lost cognitive abilities. In addition, people are able to independently and consciously destroy unnecessary and destructive neural connections and create new ones that are useful and positive. Such amazing ability our brain is called neuroplasticity.

There are thousands of examples in the world when people remained absolutely sane until very old age and even were active. However, there are also many opposite examples. Scientists were able to put forward a number of basic tips that help restore brain cells, improve its functioning and maintain cognitive abilities regardless of age.

Before we get to the tips, check out some interesting facts about our brains:

5 steps to help regenerate brain cells

So, now let's look at what factors help us restore nerve cells and improve brain function. They are an excellent prevention of post-stress syndromes, senile dementia and other problems associated with age-related changes brain structures and consequences of psychological and physical traumas.

1. Physical activity

Our neurogenesis is highly dependent on the level physical activity. The brain constantly needs an influx a large number oxygen delivered through the blood. A sedentary lifestyle, inactivity lead to a deterioration in blood flow. When there is not enough oxygen, the brain is forced to reduce its functions in order to spend less resources. With a passive lifestyle, memory begins to decline, concentration worsens, and fast fatiguability, drowsiness and many other negative processes occur.

With physical activity, even normal walking, the flow of clean, oxygenated blood to the brain increases. In addition, during the period of physical activity, an increased production of dopamines (happiness hormones) begins, which energize, vigor, and good mood. The more dopamines the brain produces, the easier a person endures stress and other difficult life situations. High stress resistance keeps the nervous system healthy.

Choose any sport you like and practice it regularly. This will improve health, restore brain cells and promote neurogenesis.

2. Nutrition

Nutrition is very important for our health. The increase in the number of semi-finished products, synthetic products and other junk food is directly related to the growth of diseases in the modern world.

For the brain and the body as a whole, fatty, unnatural high-calorie foods are harmful. Balanced proper nutrition cleanses the body and clarifies the mind. The work of the brain improves significantly if a person monitors his diet and eats a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cereals.

It is known that glucose stimulates brain activity. But it is better to get it not from harmful sugar or high-calorie carbohydrate sweets, but from fruits / dried fruits, chocolate, berry desserts.

Studies have shown that all centenarians are not overweight and eat very simple, natural food.

3. Meditation

The benefits of meditation are recognized not only by spiritual currents, but also by modern traditional medicine. The practices of contemplation and concentration allow you to calm your mind, harmonize your inner state, and develop awareness.

Our brain, as well as the intestines, needs to be cleansed of toxins, only mental ones. And meditation is the best way to remove everything superfluous and unnecessary from your brain. During meditation, the production of “happiness hormones” increases, which help to overcome anxiety, fears, and stress.

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A meditating person becomes calm, balanced, insightful, adapts better to changing circumstances, quickly finds the right solutions.

Meditation is a great way to consciously help your brain and nervous system. It is a very powerful tool for neurogenesis. Prayer is an alternative to meditation.

4. Sex

During sex, hundreds of reactions occur in the body that contribute to our health. The level of stress decreases, the energy potential is activated, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine are produced. It is these hormones that are considered neurotransmitters that help the brain restore lost neural connections and actively build new ones.

In addition, sex stimulates the part of the brain responsible for memory, improves immunity and accelerates the blood. People who have sex regularly are more stress-resistant and cheerful. The more often you have sex in your life, the more nerve cells you have.

5. Mind training

It is necessary to train not only the body, but also the mind. For healthy brain activity, a person needs to constantly develop his mind. There are a huge number of ways to do this:

In order for the brain cells to be in perfect order, it is necessary to constantly maintain curiosity, openness to everything new, as well as maintain critical thinking and subjective perception.

All of the above principles are very simple and can be easily applied in your life. They will help restore brain cells and nerves on their own, even if you had to endure serious psychological or physical trauma. Human body incredibly resilient and can completely self-repair. But the driving force in this is your thinking. Thoughts are material. And everything that you think about yourself, your body, health, condition, will come true. Therefore, always think of health and a pure mind.