Lampreys and spinal cord regeneration: “a very special claim on the interest of zoologists,” 1830s-present

Front. Cell Dev. Biol., 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1113961 · Published: May 9, 2023

Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This paper explores the history of using lampreys in neurobiology research, dating back to the 1830s. Lampreys have been instrumental in understanding spinal cord regeneration. Two key features of lampreys make them valuable for neurobiology: their large neurons and their position as basal vertebrates, aiding in comparative studies. Lamprey research has shown that functional recovery after spinal cord injury can occur without the perfect reformation of original neuronal connections.

Study Duration

1830s-Present

Participants

Scientists, Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus, Lampetra fluviatilis, Ichthyomyzon unicuspis)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Functional recovery in lampreys after spinal cord injury can occur through imperfect axonal regrowth and compensatory plasticity.
2
Factors intrinsic to neurons play a critical role in promoting or hindering spinal cord regeneration.
3
Research on lampreys has illuminated why these basal vertebrates achieve CNS regeneration more successfully than mammals.

Research Summary

This article examines the history of lampreys in neurobiology since the 1830s, emphasizing their role in spinal cord regeneration research after 1959. The large nerve cells and basal evolutionary position of lampreys have facilitated insights into axon regrowth, compensatory plasticity, and intrinsic molecular factors contributing to functional recovery. Despite a decline in lamprey studies within neurosciences over the last two decades, the authors suggest ways in which lampreys could continue to productively contribute to the field of CNS regeneration.

Practical Implications

Understanding CNS Regeneration

Lampreys offer insights into the mechanisms of CNS regeneration, potentially applicable to understanding regeneration in other vertebrates, including humans.

Therapeutic Development

Research on lampreys could inform the development of new therapies for spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions by highlighting key factors that promote regeneration.

Evolutionary Perspective

Studying lampreys provides an evolutionary perspective on the development and regeneration of the nervous system, aiding in understanding conserved mechanisms.

Lampreys and spinal cord regeneration: “a very special claim on the interest of zoologists,” 1830s-present

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Understanding CNS Regeneration

Therapeutic Development

Evolutionary Perspective

Study Limitations

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Lampreys and spinal cord regeneration: “a very special claim on the interest of zoologists,” 1830s-present

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Understanding CNS Regeneration

Therapeutic Development

Evolutionary Perspective

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?