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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2004;291:933.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Experiencing a mild stroke may alter the brain in such a way that serves to protect it from future attacks, according to research funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Lancet. 2003;362:1028-1037).

The researchers found that "preconditioned" mice—animals that had transient ischemic attacks caused when the cerebral artery was blocked for 15 minutes—experienced a 70% decrease in brain damage during a second, larger attack compared with control mice. The authors suggest that a preconditioned mouse experiences altered expression of certain genes in anticipation of a future, larger stroke.

Such changes were similar to those that occur during hibernation: slowing metabolism, conserving cellular energy, preventing blood clotting and decreasing blood flow, and limiting glucose and oxygen intake—responses that may be important neuroprotective measures. The discovery may lead to the development of new medications and preventive measures for individuals at risk of stroke, the . . . [Full Text of this Article]