Brain research
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Emerging studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of TBI. Dexmedetomidine (Dex), a highly selective α2-adrenoreceptor agonist, has been shown to attenuate ER stress. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced ER stress and ER stress-related neuronal apoptosis induced by experimental TBI. In addition, dexmedetomidine significantly improved neurological function and alleviated brain oedema. These findings indicate that dexmedetomidine alleviates severe, post-traumatic ER stress and attenuates secondary brain damage.