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Why is stroke dangerous to neurons?

1) CVAs block the normal blood supply to the brain; neurons that are starved of oxygen and nutrients begin to die within minutes.
2) CVAs disrupt the production and transport of neurotransmitters required for neuronal function and maintenance.
3) CVAs interfere with the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which disrupts its ability to function in the transport of nutrients, waste, and chemical nutrients to individual neurons.
4) CVAs affect the permeability of the endothelial cells that create the blood-brain barrier, allowing toxic substances to reach neurons and cause their death.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Strokes are dangerous to neurons because they block the blood supply to the brain, causing oxygen and nutrient deprivation leading to cell death, disrupt neurotransmitter transport, CSF circulation, and compromise the blood-brain barrier.

Step-by-step explanation:

Strokes, or cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), are dangerous to neurons because they disrupt the blood supply to the brain. When blood flow is blocked, neurons are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death within minutes. This deprivation halts the production of ATP, causing failure of the ion transport processes, depolarization of neuron membranes, and the initiation of excitotoxic molecular mechanisms that can further damage cells. Additionally, a stroke can disrupt the production and transport of neurotransmitters, interfere with the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and affect the permeability of the endothelial cells that create the blood-brain barrier.

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