Illustration of Nervous System Injury (IMAGE) Society for Neuroscience Caption Proposed model for the role of the blood protein fibrinogen that triggers scar formation in the brain and spinal cord. Fibrinogen carries an inactive substance called TGF-B, which circulates in the bloodstream of an uninjured nervous system (left panel). When there’s an injury and blood vessels leak, TGF-B interacts with local brain cells and sends signals that result in scar formation (right panel). Credit Courtesy, with permission: Schachtrup et al. The Journal of Neuroscience 2010. Usage Restrictions For reporters, free use with appropriate credit line. All others, please contact The Journal of Neuroscience. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.