Oxidative Stress and Methods of Its Determination in Experimental Brain Pathology

Oxidative reactions and the substances formed as a result of their course are important in the vital activity of the cells of the whole organism and the brain, in particular. It has been established that oxygen radicals function as a messenger, responsible for neuronal activity, regulate cerebral blood flow, apoptosis and other processes necessary for the functioning of the brain. It has been shown that nerve impulse conduction is also associated with the formation of free-radical forms of phospholipids. The purpose of this article is to summarize and systematize literature data on the mechanisms of oxidative stress and describe the method for studying it in modeling experimental cerebral pathology. Oxidative stress, which is the result of an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants towards the former due to excessive production of free radicals and/or a decrease in the activity of antioxidant defense, underlies the pathogenesis of many diseases and its study in modeling experimental pathology serves as a fundamental basis for clinical research.