Molecular, Cellular and Functional Events in Axonal Sprouting after Stroke

Stroke often leads to long-term disability, prompting research into how the brain repairs itself. One key mechanism is axonal sprouting, where neurons form new connections after a stroke. Studies have shown that this sprouting occurs in various species, including mice, rats, primates, and humans. Inducing sprouting can improve recovery, while blocking it impairs recovery, highlighting its importance. There are three types of axonal sprouting: reactive, reparative, and unbounded. Reactive sprouting is local and part of scar formation. Reparative sprouting is longer-distance and aids recovery. Unbounded sprouting is widespread and can hinder recovery.

• 1
  Post-stroke axonal sprouting occurs in mice, rats, primates and humans, suggesting it's a conserved response to brain injury.
• 2
  Behavioral activity patterns after stroke modify the axonal sprouting response, showing that rehabilitation and activity levels influence brain rewiring.
• 3
  The types of connections that are formed after stroke indicate three patterns of axonal sprouting after stroke: Reactive, Reparative and Unbounded Axonal Sprouting.