Stroke discovery hope to increase survival rates

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh have been involved in work that aims to help stroke victims.

New information shows that supplies of oxygen and glucose are restricted because of damaged or narrow blood vessels during a stroke. A mechanism has been discovered which enables the brain to protect itself in this situation.

The protein, called AMPK, triggers a protective process in the brain when the body detects that there is not enough oxygen and glucose available. In order to save energy and protect nerves the brain then slows down.

The work was carried out by researchers from the universities of Edinburgh, Leeds and Dundee. Leading the team was Mark Evans, Professor of Cellular Pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh. He told The Journal: "Our findings suggest that if brain cells run short of energy, they start to work more slowly. But it is better to work slowly than not at all."

The mechanism works by opening and closing a series of valves on the cell membrane. This series of valves, or ion channels, dictate heart-cell rhythm and protect against reduced blood supply.

The Office of National Statistics Health Statistics Quarterly estimated that 150,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK. In England alone, the annual cost to the NHS of providing direct care for stroke patients is over £2.8 billion.

Professor Chris Peers of the University of Leeds believes that the findings could eventually lead to new treatments for patients suffering from problems with blood supply to the brain.

Graham Hardie,Professor of Cellular Signalling at the University of Dundee, first discovered the presence of AMPK in the body. He said: “There are drugs currently on the market that stimulate AMPK, which are used to treat other conditions. In future, these and other drugs could be given to at-risk patients to give them a better chance of surviving a stroke."

The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal and was funded by the Dundee-based Welcome Trust charity.