Respiratory plasticity following spinal cord injury: perspectives from mouse to man

Neural Regen Res, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.335839 · Published: October 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This review explores respiratory plasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on restoring breathing function through nervous system changes. It discusses animal models used to study plasticity and the translation of preclinical findings to clinical treatments. The review aims to highlight preclinical work that can inform future clinical investigations and advance SCI treatments.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Spinal interneurons (SpINs) are key therapeutic targets for promoting functional recovery post-SCI due to their role in modulating respiratory output.
2
Strategies like neural interfacing, physical stimuli (activity-based therapies), and growth-promoting agents can enhance neural plasticity in respiratory networks.
3
Clinical research is increasingly incorporating external triggers like exercise and hypoxia/hypercapnia training to stimulate respiratory plasticity.

Research Summary

This review defines respiratory plasticity post-spinal cord injury, discusses research models, and explores translation to clinical research. The review highlights neural interfacing, activity-based therapies, and pro-regenerative treatments as therapeutic strategies to enhance neuroplasticity. Effective communication between researchers, clinicians, and individuals with SCI is crucial to propel research forward and improve lives.

Practical Implications

Improved Therapeutic Strategies

Combining different therapeutic approaches that target unique aspects of neural repair and neuroplasticity can lead to synergistic effects and better outcomes for SCI patients.

Clinical Translation

Refining pre-clinical therapeutic approaches has strong potential for rapid translation into clinical practice, offering new treatments for individuals with respiratory dysfunction following SCI.

Personalized Medicine

Understanding the mechanisms of respiratory plasticity can lead to more personalized and effective interventions tailored to the specific needs and injury profiles of individual SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Limited translation of animal model findings to human clinical trials.
2
Variability in post-injury management and outcome measures in clinical trials.
3
Difficulties in producing large numbers of purified human cells for cell therapies.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury