Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (Nets) Formation After Traumatic Brain Injury

Sounds like another hyperacute research possibility.
http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/2012/12001/201___Neutrophil_Extracellular_Traps__Nets_.168.aspx

Abstract

Introduction: Brain inflammation significantly contributes to the progression of tissue damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neutrophil recruitment has been shown to increase over the first 24 hours after experimental TBI. There is evidence that upon activation, neutrophils release DNA fibers decorated with antimicrobial proteins forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NET formation, when excessive, may also lead to tissue injury. The role of NETs in traumatic brain injury has not been investigated.

Hypothesis: NETs release by activated neutrophils may contribute to tissue damage and edema formation after TBI.

Methods: We used a controlled cortical impact (CCI) as a model for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in anesthetized adult Sprague-Dawley rats and divided in sham,12, 24, and 72 hours groups (n =5 each group) After TBI rats were euthanized at 12, 24 and 72 hours, brains were removed, examined by histology and assayed for histones, MPO and NE activity

Results: Significant increase in neutrophil accumulation, MPO and NE activity was demonstrated in the traumatized area at 12, 24 and even 72 hours after TBI when compared with non-traumatized area and sham animals.

Conclusions: We provide evidence for the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in areas of tissue injury, suggesting their potential link with brain tissue damage.