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Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering Jun 2023Neurotechnologies for treating pain rely on electrical stimulation of the central or peripheral nervous system to disrupt or block pain signaling and have been... (Review)
Review
Neurotechnologies for treating pain rely on electrical stimulation of the central or peripheral nervous system to disrupt or block pain signaling and have been commercialized to treat a variety of pain conditions. While their adoption is accelerating, neurotechnologies are still frequently viewed as a last resort, after many other treatment options have been explored. We review the pain conditions commonly treated with electrical stimulation, as well as the specific neurotechnologies used for treating those conditions. We identify barriers to adoption, including a limited understanding of mechanisms of action, inconsistent efficacy across patients, and challenges related to selectivity of stimulation and off-target side effects. We describe design improvements that have recently been implemented, as well as some cutting-edge technologies that may address the limitations of existing neurotechnologies. Addressing these challenges will accelerate adoption and change neurotechnologies from last-line to first-line treatments for people living with chronic pain.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Pain Management; Electric Stimulation; Peripheral Nervous System
PubMed: 37068766
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-111022-121637 -
Current Topics in Developmental Biology 2022Proper innervation of peripheral organs helps to maintain physiological homeostasis and elicit responses to external stimuli. Disruptions to normal function can result...
Proper innervation of peripheral organs helps to maintain physiological homeostasis and elicit responses to external stimuli. Disruptions to normal function can result in pathophysiological consequences. The establishment of connections and communication between the central nervous system and the peripheral organs is accomplished through the peripheral nervous system. Neuronal connections with target tissues arise from ganglia partitioned throughout the body. Organ innervation is initiated during development with stimuli being conducted through several types of neurons including sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory. While the physiological modulation of mature organs by these nerves is largely understood, their role in mammalian development is only beginning to be uncovered. Interactions with cells in target tissues can affect the development and eventual function of several organs, highlighting their significance. This chapter will cover the origin of peripheral neurons, factors mediating organ innervation, and the composition and function of organ-specific nerves during development. This emerging field aims to identify the functional contribution of innervation to development which will inform future investigations of normal and abnormal mammalian organogenesis, as well as contribute to regenerative and organ replacement efforts where nerve-derived signals may have significant implications for the advancement of such studies.
Topics: Animals; Central Nervous System; Mammals; Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; Neurons; Organogenesis; Peripheral Nervous System
PubMed: 35461566
DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.004 -
Current Opinion in Cell Biology Dec 2022Neuron types are the building blocks of the nervous system, and therefore, of functional circuits. Understanding the origin of neuronal diversity has always been an... (Review)
Review
Neuron types are the building blocks of the nervous system, and therefore, of functional circuits. Understanding the origin of neuronal diversity has always been an essential question in neuroscience and developmental biology. While knowledge on the molecular control of their diversification has largely increased during the last decades, it is now possible to reveal the dynamic mechanisms and the actual stepwise molecular changes occurring at single-cell level with the advent of single-cell omics technologies and analysis with high temporal resolution. Here, we focus on recent advances in the field and in technical and analytical tools that enable detailed insights into the emergence of neuron types in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Topics: Neurons; Peripheral Nervous System
PubMed: 36347131
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.102133 -
Glia Dec 2022Myelin is essential to nervous system function, playing roles in saltatory conduction and trophic support. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) and Schwann cells (SCs) form myelin in... (Review)
Review
Myelin is essential to nervous system function, playing roles in saltatory conduction and trophic support. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) and Schwann cells (SCs) form myelin in the central and peripheral nervous systems respectively and follow different developmental paths. OLs are neural stem-cell derived and follow an intrinsic developmental program resulting in a largely irreversible differentiation state. During embryonic development, OL precursor cells (OPCs) are produced in distinct waves originating from different locations in the central nervous system, with a subset developing into myelinating OLs. OPCs remain evenly distributed throughout life, providing a population of responsive, multifunctional cells with the capacity to remyelinate after injury. SCs derive from the neural crest, are highly dependent on extrinsic signals, and have plastic differentiation states. SC precursors (SCPs) are produced in early embryonic nerve structures and differentiate into multipotent immature SCs (iSCs), which initiate radial sorting and differentiate into myelinating and non-myelinating SCs. Differentiated SCs retain the capacity to radically change phenotypes in response to external signals, including becoming repair SCs, which drive peripheral regeneration. While several transcription factors and myelin components are common between OLs and SCs, their differentiation mechanisms are highly distinct, owing to their unique lineages and their respective environments. In addition, both OLs and SCs respond to neuronal activity and regulate nervous system output in reciprocal manners, possibly through different pathways. Here, we outline their basic developmental programs, mechanisms regulating their differentiation, and recent advances in the field.
Topics: Female; Humans; Myelin Sheath; Neuroglia; Peripheral Nervous System; Pregnancy; Schwann Cells; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 35785432
DOI: 10.1002/glia.24238 -
Cells Dec 2022Neurotrophic factors, including neurotrophins and neuropeptides, are secreted proteins that regulate the survival, development, and physiological functions of neurons in...
Neurotrophic factors, including neurotrophins and neuropeptides, are secreted proteins that regulate the survival, development, and physiological functions of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems [...].
Topics: Nerve Growth Factors; Neurons; Peripheral Nervous System; Neuropeptides
PubMed: 36611840
DOI: 10.3390/cells12010047 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Aug 2023Vasculitic neuropathy (VN) may affect the peripheral nervous system alone (non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN)) or be part of a systemic vasculitis. Studies...
Vasculitic neuropathy (VN) may affect the peripheral nervous system alone (non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN)) or be part of a systemic vasculitis. Studies indicate that NSVN is ascommon as other inflammatory neuropathies but is underdiagnosed, probably becausethe clinical phenotype is very heterogenous and vary from sub-acute painful mononeuritis multiplex to progressive, symmetric polyneuropathy. Since the irreversible nerve damage can be reduced with immunosuppressants, early recognition of VN is important. More studies are needed to validate treatment and outcome measures.
Topics: Humans; Vascular Diseases; Immunosuppressive Agents; Pain; Peripheral Nervous System; Phenotype
PubMed: 37615230
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology 2021In vertebrates, the nervous system (NS) is composed of a peripheral collection of neurons (the peripheral nervous system, PNS), a central set found in the brain and... (Review)
Review
In vertebrates, the nervous system (NS) is composed of a peripheral collection of neurons (the peripheral nervous system, PNS), a central set found in the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system, CNS). The NS is protected by rather complicated multi-layer barriers that allow access to nutrients and facilitate contact with the peripheral tissues, but block entry of pathogens and toxins. Virus infections usually begin in peripheral tissues and if these barriers are weakened, they can spread into the PNS and more rarely into the CNS. Most viral infections of the NS are opportunistic or accidental pathogens that gain access via the bloodstream (e.g., HIV and various arboviruses). But a few have evolved to enter the NS efficiently by invading neurons directly and by exploiting neuronal cell biology (e.g., rhabdoviruses and alphaherpesviruses). Most NS infections are devastating and difficult to manage. Remarkably, the alphaherpesviruses establish life-long quiescent infections in the PNS, with rare but often serious CNS pathology. In this review, we will focus on how alphaherpesviruses gain access to and spread in the NS, with particular emphasis on bidirectional transport and spread within and between neurons and neural circuits, which is regulated by complex viral-host protein interactions. Finally, we will describe the wide use of alphaherpesviruses as tools to study nerve connectivity and function in animal models.
Topics: Alphaherpesvirinae; Animals; Central Nervous System; Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Neurons; Peripheral Nervous System
PubMed: 32723924
DOI: 10.21775/cimb.041.001 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration or death of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system [...].
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration or death of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system [...].
Topics: Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neurons; Peripheral Nervous System
PubMed: 37762040
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813721 -
Nutrients Oct 2020Citicoline is a chemical compound involved in the synthesis of cell membranes. It also has other, not yet explained functions. Research on the use of citicoline is...
Citicoline is a chemical compound involved in the synthesis of cell membranes. It also has other, not yet explained functions. Research on the use of citicoline is conducted in neurology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry. Citicoline is widely available as a dietary supplement. It is often used to enhance cognitive functions. In our article, accessible databases were searched for articles regarding citicoline use in neurological diseases. This article has a systemic review form. After rejecting non-eligible reports, 47 remaining articles were reviewed. The review found that citicoline has been proven to be a useful compound in preventing dementia progression. It also enhances cognitive functions among healthy individuals and improves prognosis after stroke. In an animal model of nerve damage and neuropathy, citicoline stimulated regeneration and lessened pain. Among patients who underwent brain trauma, citicoline has an unclear clinical effect. Citicoline has a wide range of effects and could be an essential substance in the treatment of many neurological diseases. Its positive impact on learning and cognitive functions among the healthy population is also worth noting.
Topics: Animals; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Cognition; Cytidine Diphosphate Choline; Dementia; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Nervous System Diseases; Neuralgia; Neurotransmitter Agents; Peripheral Nervous System; Stroke
PubMed: 33053828
DOI: 10.3390/nu12103113 -
Cell and Tissue Research Jul 2023Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) contains thousands of sensory neurons that transmit information about our external and internal environment to the central nervous system. This... (Review)
Review
Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) contains thousands of sensory neurons that transmit information about our external and internal environment to the central nervous system. This includes signals related to proprioception, temperature, and nociception. Our understanding of DRG has increased tremendously over the last 50 years and has established the DRG as an active participant in peripheral processes. This includes interactions between neurons and non-neuronal cells such as satellite glia cells and macrophages that contribute to an increasingly complex cellular environment that modulates neuronal function. Early ultrastructural investigations of the DRG have described subtypes of sensory neurons based on differences in the arrangement of organelles such as the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum. The neuron-satellite cell complex and the composition of the axon hillock in DRG have also been investigated, but, apart from basic descriptions of Schwann cells, ultrastructural investigations of other cell types in DRG are limited. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of key components of DRG, such as blood vessels and the capsule that sits at the intersection of the meninges and the connective tissue covering the peripheral nervous system, are lacking to date. With rising interest in DRG as potential therapeutic targets for aberrant signalling associated with chronic pain conditions, gaining further insights into DRG ultrastructure will be fundamental to understanding cell-cell interactions that modulate DRG function. In this review, we aim to provide a synopsis of the current state of knowledge on the ultrastructure of the DRG and its components, as well as to identify areas of interest for future studies.
Topics: Humans; Ganglia, Spinal; Neuroglia; Schwann Cells; Sensory Receptor Cells; Pain
PubMed: 37079097
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03770-w