Definitions for "Neuroprotection"
For weeks and possibly months after a spinal cord injury the cellular casualty count rises. The body's immune response and toxic chemicals released by dying cells attack cells that survived the initial injury. Other cells just seem to know that something in their neighborhood is terribly wrong, and they self-destruct, a process called apoptosis. This mayhem amplifies the lesion and the loss of function. If this biological ripple effect could be prevented the injury might wreak less havoc.
The effect of potential drugs which may inhibit nerve cell injury and death. Usually refers to protection against nerve cell death as a result of glutamate-induced overexcitation (see glutamate). More generally, refers to protection against nerve cell death associated with acute or chronic neurological conditions.
The inhibition of retinal ganglion cell death, based on strengthening the nerve cells against toxic injury.