Injuries that occurred days after the first, though, had no effect on the meningeal repair process when the wound healing phase of the process had already commenced.

In addition, researchers found that the release of the molecule matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2), by wound-healing immune cells, is crucial to the restoration of blood vessels, as it breaks down the matrix holding the cells together, creating space for the blood vessels to be rebuilt. Blockage of the Mmp2 prevented the rebuilding of a large number of vessels.


McGavern says further research is required to uncover additional molecules and genes involved in the repair process, as well as to identify tactics for speeding up recovery following a head injury.

“We are currently working on the development of therapies that promote or accelerate the repair of damaged blood vessels in the CNS following traumatic brain injury,” he said. “We are also interested in identifying the factors that determine why some patients do not repair the lining of their brains.”

Research was supported by the NIH Intramural Research Program.

The study was published in the journal, Nature Immunology.

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