ABSTRACT
Oedema and its sequelae remain a common and life-threatening complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Despite the burden of death and disability associated with post-traumatic swelling, treatments remain limited and largely inadequate. In order to eectively treat oedema and improve patient survival and outcome, alternative approaches are required. e recent discovery of aquaporin
CONTENTS Abstract 205 10.1 Distribution of Aquaporins within the CNS 206
10.1.1Localization of AQP1 206 10.1.2Localization of AQP4 206 10.1.3Localization of AQP9 207
10.2Function of Aquaporins within the CNS 207 10.2.1Functions of AQP1 207 10.2.2Functions of AQP4 207 10.2.3Functions of AQP9 207
10.3Traumatic CNS Injury 207 10.3.1Role of AQP4 in Traumatic Brain Injury 208
10.4Role of AQP4 in Cytotoxic Models of OEdema 209 10.5Role of AQP4 in Vasogenic Models of OEdema 210 10.6Role of AQP4 in SCI 211 10.7 Conclusion 212 References 212
(AQP) proteins, in particular AQP4, at tissue-uid interfaces within the central nervous system (CNS) may provide a novel target for therapeutic intervention. AQPs are water channels that allow the ux of uid into and out of the CNS; hence, they have been implicated in the pathological accumulation of water following injury. Indeed, over the past decade, numerous studies have demonstrated alterations in AQP expression following injury, concurrent with changes in levels of CNS tissue swelling. is review examines the body of literature supporting a role for AQP4 in the genesis and resolution of swelling following TBI and SCI.
