ABSTRACT
Growing interest in post-traumatic brain plasticity events has fueled investigations of therapeutic approaches that promote endogenous neurorepair. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a polypeptide hormone with critical roles in regulating brain plasticity mechanisms. This chapter summarizes literature related to how expression of IGF-1 and its signaling components are altered after traumatic brain injury (TBI). To understand the potential effects of changes in endogenous IGF-1, the major roles of IGF-1 in CNS function are reviewed, with attention to how these IGF-mediated events may impact the response to TBI. In light of the multiplicity of CNS functions mediated by IGF-1, supplementation of endogenous IGF-1 may provide neuroprotection and promote neuronal repair in the injured brain. Coupled with a handful of preclinical studies in TBI, a larger literature in other CNS injuries such as
stroke, hypoxic ischemia and spinal cord injury demonstrates potential beneficial effects of IGF-1 following injury.
