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Spinal Cord Electrophysiology
Published on: January 18, 2010
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Neurotrophins and spinal circuit function
Vanessa S Boyce1, Lorne M Mendell1
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY, USA.
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
|June 14, 2014
Summary
Neurotrophins like nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can modify spinal circuits, impacting motor reflexes and stepping behavior. These growth factors show potential for improving function after injury or in disease states.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Cord Research
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Early research focused on stereotyped spinal reflexes.
- Recent decades highlight the plasticity of spinal circuits.
- Monoamines and growth factors influence spinal circuit activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of neurotrophins on spinal circuits.
- To discuss neurotrophins' role in nociceptive, motor, and stepping behaviors.
- To explore translational applications of neurotrophins for functional recovery.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neurotrophins and spinal circuits.
- Analysis of studies on nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3).
- Examination of functional outcomes including nociception, motor reflexes, and locomotion.
Main Results:
- Neurotrophins, including NGF, BDNF, and NT-3, modulate spinal circuit function.
- These factors influence nociceptive behavior, motor reflexes, and stepping.
- Neurotrophins and their receptors are endogenously present in the spinal cord.
Conclusions:
- Neurotrophins significantly impact spinal cord function and plasticity.
- Potential therapeutic applications exist for neurotrophins in treating spinal cord injuries and diseases.
- Further research is warranted to translate these findings into clinical practice.
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