WEIGHT DROP-INDUCED RECURRENT CONCUSSIONS IMPAIR LONG-TERM MEMORY, BUT DO NOT ALTER REDOX STATUS IN RATS HIPPOCAMPUS

Concussion is known as the application of mechanical force that causes the displacement of the brain, resulting in impact against the skull. It is considered the mildest form of Traumatic Brain Injury and is associated with forces of acceleration and deceleration that cause stretching or tearing of axons, known as diffuse axonal injury. In the sports context, it is common for athletes to experience multiple concussions throughout their careers due to collisions, falls, or repeated impacts. These injuries can be underestimated or neglected, once they do not always present noticeable signs and symptoms. However, despite their apparent invisibility, the consequences of recurrent concussions on the Central Nervous System are concerning. Furthermore, the accumulation of concussions over a lifetime is associated with a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Alzheimer`s disease. Understanding the pathophysiology of these injuries is crucial to prevent long-term damage and promote health and safety in sports. In this regard, animal models of recurrent concussions (RC) are an important tool in better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the injury and its secondary damages.