Sympathetic Modulation of Neuroinflammation by Reserpine Improves Neurogenesis in ICR Mice with Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Reserpine’s effect on sympathetic regulation of inflammatory cell mobilization and migration reduces neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesize that an important consequence of reserpine effect may be the acceleration of brain regenerative processes. Methods: Neuroinflammation and the response of neuronal cells and neural stem cells in the cerebral cortex (CC) and subventricular zone (SVZ) of ICR mice after TBI and reserpine treatment were assessed using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Results: TBI was accompanied by neuroinflammation, cellular and tissue degeneration, neuronal cell damage, and impaired proliferation of neural stem cells in CC and SVZ. Reserpine administration inhibited neuroinflammation and reduced the severity of degenerative processes. Furthermore, an increase in the number of neural stem cells and neuronal cells was observed in the CC and SVZ. Conclusions: Reserpine is a promising compound for developing a new approach to TBI therapy aimed at blocking the sympathetic pathway of neuroinflammation and degeneration. This results in accelerated neuronal cell regeneration.