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Zhao X, Ma X, Zhao H, Li T, Qiu Y, Shen Y, Feng J, Xu W. Unveiling the role of dorsal root ganglia in spasticity reduction: Insights from contralateral seventh cervical nerve cross transfer surgery. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3613. [PMID: 38970224 PMCID: PMC11226549 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as stroke, often lead to spasticity, which result in limb deformities and significant reduction in quality of life. Spasticity arises from disruptions in the normal functioning of cortical and descending inhibitory pathways in the brainstem, leading to abnormal muscle contractions. Contralateral seventh cervical nerve cross transfer (CC7) surgery has been proven to effectively reduce spasticity, but the specific mechanism for its effectiveness is unclear. METHODS This study aimed to investigate the changes in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following CC7 surgery. A comprehensive anatomical analysis was conducted through cadaveric study and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, to accurately measure the regional anatomy of the C7 DRG. DRG perfusion changes were quantitatively assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. RESULTS In CC7 surgery, the C7 nerve root on the affected side is cut close to the DRG (3.6 ± 1.0 mm), while the C7 nerve root on the healthy side is cut further away from the DRG (65.0 ± 10.0 mm). MRI studies revealed that after C7 proximal neurotomy on the affected side, there was an increase in DRG volume, vascular permeability, and perfusion; after C7 distal neurotomy on the healthy side, there was a decrease in DRG volume, with no significant changes in vascular permeability and perfusion. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary insights into the mechanisms of spasticity reduction following CC7 surgery, indicating that changes in the DRG, such as increased vascular permeability and perfusion, could disrupt abnormal spinal γ-circuits. The resulting high-perfusion state of DRG, possibly due to heightened neuronal activity and metabolic demands, necessitating further research to verify this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Zhao
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xingyi Ma
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Huali Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Tie Li
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanqun Qiu
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yundong Shen
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Juntao Feng
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wendong Xu
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Branch of Huashan Hospital, the National Clinical Research Center for Aging and MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Unit of Synergistic Reconstruction of Upper and Lower Limbs after Brain InjuryChinese Academy of Medical SciencesShanghaiChina
- Co‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina
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Abd-Elsayed A, Vardhan S, Aggarwal A, Vardhan M, Diwan SA. Mechanisms of Action of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3591. [PMID: 38612402 PMCID: PMC11011701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) serves as a pivotal site for managing chronic pain through dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S). In recent years, the DRG-S has emerged as an attractive modality in the armamentarium of neuromodulation therapy due to its accessibility and efficacy in alleviating chronic pain refractory to conventional treatments. Despite its therapeutic advantages, the precise mechanisms underlying DRG-S-induced analgesia remain elusive, attributed in part to the diverse sensory neuron population within the DRG and its modulation of both peripheral and central sensory processing pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that DRG-S may alleviate pain by several mechanisms, including the reduction of nociceptive signals at the T-junction of sensory neurons, modulation of pain gating pathways within the dorsal horn, and regulation of neuronal excitability within the DRG itself. However, elucidating the full extent of DRG-S mechanisms necessitates further exploration, particularly regarding its supraspinal effects and its interactions with cognitive and affective networks. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing neurostimulation technologies and improving clinical outcomes of DRG-S for chronic pain management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the DRG anatomy, mechanisms of action of the DRG-S, and its significance in neuromodulation therapy for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Swarnima Vardhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA; (S.V.); (A.A.)
- Advanced Spine on Park Avenue, New York, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Abhinav Aggarwal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA; (S.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Madhurima Vardhan
- Argonne Leadership Computing Facility, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA;
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Wu JW, Chen ST, Wang YF, Lai KL, Chen TY, Chen SP, Chen WT, Wang SJ. Sphenopalatine ganglion volumetry in episodic cluster headache: from symptom laterality to cranial autonomic symptoms. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:2. [PMID: 36597044 PMCID: PMC9809027 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-022-01534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a peripheral structure that plays an important role in cluster headache (CH). Hence, a reliable method to measure the volume of SPG is crucial for studying the peripheral mechanism of CH. Additionally, the association between the clinical profiles and the morphology of the SPG in CH remains undetermined. This study aims to use the manual measurement of SPG volume to investigate its associations with CH, including headache laterality, cranial autonomic symptoms (CASs), presence of restlessness or agitation, and other clinical profiles. METHODS We prospectively recruited consecutive CH patients at a tertiary medical center between April 2020 and April 2022. A total of eighty side-locked, in-bout, episodic CH patients and 40 non-headache healthy controls received 1.5 T brain MRI focusing on structural neuroimaging of the SPG. The manual measurement process for SPG was under axial and sagittal FIESTA imaging, with reference T2 weight images (sagittal and axial) for localization. The inter-observer agreement of the SPG volume (both sides of the SPG from CH patients and controls) between the two observers was calculated. In CH patients, clinical profiles and the number of CASs (range 0-5) were recorded to analyze their association with SPG volume. RESULTS The inter-observer agreement between the two raters was excellent for the new SPG volumetry method at 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.90, p < 0.001). The mean [SD] SPG volume was larger in CH patients than in non-headache controls (35.89 [12.94] vs. 26.13 [8.62] μL, p < 0.001). In CH patients, the SPG volume was larger on the pain side than on the non-pain side (38.87 [14.71] vs. 32.91 [12.70] μL, p < 0.001). The number of CASs was positively moderately correlated with the pain-side SPG volume (Pearson r = 0.320, p = 0.004) but not the non-pain side SPG volume (Pearson r = 0.207, p = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS This proof-of-concept study successfully measured the SPG volume and demonstrated its associations with symptomatology in patients with episodic CH. The direct measurement of SPG provide insights into studies on peripheral mechanism of CH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jr-Wei Wu
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shi-Pai Rd, Taipei, 11217 Taiwan ,grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Center for Quality Management, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ting Chen
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Feng Wang
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shi-Pai Rd, Taipei, 11217 Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Lin Lai
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shi-Pai Rd, Taipei, 11217 Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yi Chen
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Pin Chen
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shi-Pai Rd, Taipei, 11217 Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Division of Translational Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ta Chen
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shi-Pai Rd, Taipei, 11217 Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.454740.6Department of Neurology, Keelung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shuu-Jiun Wang
- grid.278247.c0000 0004 0604 5314Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shi-Pai Rd, Taipei, 11217 Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chapman KB, Sayed D, Lamer T, Hunter C, Weisbein J, Patel KV, Dickerson D, Hagedorn JM, Lee DW, Amirdelfan K, Deer T, Chakravarthy K. Best Practices for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Chronic Pain: Guidelines from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience. J Pain Res 2023; 16:839-879. [PMID: 36942306 PMCID: PMC10024474 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s364370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
With continued innovations in neuromodulation comes the need for evolving reviews of best practices. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) has significantly improved the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and it has broad applicability across a wide range of other conditions. Through funding and organizational leadership by the American Society for Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN), this best practices consensus document has been developed for the selection, implantation, and use of DRG stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes. This document is composed of a comprehensive narrative literature review that has been performed regarding the role of the DRG in chronic pain and the clinical evidence for DRG-S as a treatment for multiple pain etiologies. Best practice recommendations encompass safety management, implantation techniques, and mitigation of the potential complications reported in the literature. Looking to the future of neuromodulation, DRG-S holds promise as a robust intervention for otherwise intractable pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth B Chapman
- The Spine & Pain Institute of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Correspondence: Kenneth B Chapman, NYU Langone Medical Center, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Pain Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, 1360 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA, Email
| | - Dawood Sayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Tim Lamer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Corey Hunter
- Ainsworth Institute of Pain Management, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Kiran V Patel
- The Spine & Pain Institute of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Dickerson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - David W Lee
- Fullerton Orthopedic Surgery Medical Group, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | | | - Timothy Deer
- The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Krishnan Chakravarthy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California San Diego Health Sciences, San Diego, CA, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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5
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de Freitas RM, Capogrosso M, Nomura T, Milosevic M. Optimizing sensory fiber activation during cervical transcutaneous spinal stimulation using different electrode configurations: A computational analysis. Artif Organs 2022; 46:2015-2026. [PMID: 35642297 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a rehabilitation tool which has been used to promote upper-limb motor recovery after spinal cord injury. Importantly, optimizing sensory fiber activation at specific spinal segments could enable activity-dependent neuromodulation during rehabilitation. METHODS An anatomically realistic cervical tSCS computational model was used to analyze the activation of α-motor and Aα-sensory fibers at C7 and C8 spinal segments using nine cathode electrode configurations. Specifically, the cathode was simulated at three vertebral level positions: C6, C7, and T1; and in three sizes: 5.0 x 5.0, 3.5 x 3.5; and 2.5 x 2.5 cm2 , while the anode was on the anterior neck. Finite element method was used to estimate the electric potential distribution along α-motor and Aα-sensory fibers, and computational models were applied to simulate the fiber membrane dynamics during tSCS. The minimum stimulation intensity necessary to activate the fibers (activation threshold) was estimated and compared across cathode configurations in an effort to optimize sensory fiber activation. RESULTS Our results showed that nerve fibers at both C7 and C8 spinal segments were recruited at lower stimulation intensities when the cathode was positioned over the C7 or T1 vertebra compared with the C6 position. Sensory fibers were activated at lower stimulation intensities using smaller electrodes, which could also affect the degree of nerve fiber activation across different positions. Importantly, Aα-sensory fibers were consistently recruited before α-motor fibers. CONCLUSIONS These results imply that cathode positioning could help optimize preferential activation of hand muscles during cervical tSCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto M de Freitas
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Marco Capogrosso
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.,Rehab and Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Taishin Nomura
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Matija Milosevic
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University, Japan
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6
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de Freitas RM, Capogrosso M, Nomura T, Milosevic M. Preferential activation of proprioceptive and cutaneous sensory fibers compared to motor fibers during cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation: A computational study. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35472720 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac6a7c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising technology that can support motor function recovery of upper-limbs after spinal cord injury. Its efficacy may depend on the ability to recruit sensory afferents, conveying excitatory inputs onto motoneurons. Therefore, understanding its physiological mechanisms is critical to accelerate its development towards clinical applications. In this study, we used an anatomically realistic cervical tSCS computational model to compare α-motor, Aα-sensory, and Aβ-sensory fiber activation thresholds and activation sites. APPROACH We developed a 3D geometry of the cervical body and tSCS electrodes with a cathode centred at the C7 spinous process and an anode placed over the anterior neck. The geometrical model was used to estimate the electric potential distributions along motor and sensory fiber trajectories at the C7 spinal level using a finite element method. We implemented dedicated motor and sensory fiber models to simulate the α-motor and Aα-sensory fibers using 12, 16, and 20 µm diameter fibers, and Aβ-sensory fibers using 6, 9, and 12 µm diameter fibers. We estimated nerve fiber activation thresholds and sites for a 2 ms monophasic stimulating pulse and compared them across the fiber groups. MAIN RESULTS Our results showed lower activation thresholds of Aα- and Aβ-sensory fibers compared with α-motor fibers, suggesting preferential sensory fiber activation. We also found no differences between activation thresholds of Aα-sensory and large Aβ-sensory fibers, implying their co-activation. The activation sites were located at the dorsal and ventral root levels. SIGNIFICANCE Using a realistic computational model, we demonstrated preferential activation of dorsal root Aα- and Aβ-sensory fibers compared with ventral root α-motor fibers during cervical tSCS. These findings suggest high proprioceptive and cutaneous contributions to neural activations during cervical tSCS, which inform the underlying mechanisms of upper-limb functional motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto M de Freitas
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, 560-8531, JAPAN
| | - Marco Capogrosso
- University of Pittsburgh, 3520, Fifth Av., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, UNITED STATES
| | - Taishin Nomura
- Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University, Machikaneyama 1-3, Toyonaka City, Osaka 560- 8531, Toyonaka, 5608531, JAPAN
| | - Matija Milosevic
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, J520, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, JAPAN
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Daines JM, Schellhardt L, Wood MD. The Role of the IL-4 Signaling Pathway in Traumatic Nerve Injuries. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2021; 35:431-443. [PMID: 33754913 DOI: 10.1177/15459683211001026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Following traumatic peripheral nerve injury, adequate restoration of function remains an elusive clinical goal. Recent research highlights the complex role that the immune system plays in both nerve injury and regeneration. Pro-regenerative processes in wounded soft tissues appear to be significantly mediated by cytokines of the type 2 immune response, notably interleukin (IL)-4. While IL-4 signaling has been firmly established as a critical element in general tissue regeneration during wound healing, it has also emerged as a critical process in nerve injury and regeneration. In this context of peripheral nerve injury, endogenous IL-4 signaling has recently been confirmed to influence more than leukocytes, but including also neurons, axons, and Schwann cells. Given the role IL-4 plays in nerve injury and regeneration, exogenous IL-4 and/or compounds targeting this signaling pathway have shown encouraging preliminary results to treat nerve injury or other neuropathy in rodent models. In particular, the exogenous stimulation of the IL-4 signaling pathway appears to promote postinjury neuron survival, axonal regeneration, remyelination, and thereby improved functional recovery. These preclinical data strongly suggest that targeting IL-4 signaling pathways is a promising translational therapy to augment treatment approaches of traumatic nerve injury. However, a better understanding of the type 2 immune response and associated signaling networks functioning within the nerve injury microenvironment is still needed to fully develop this promising therapeutic avenue.
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8
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Pan D, Mackinnon SE, Wood MD. Advances in the repair of segmental nerve injuries and trends in reconstruction. Muscle Nerve 2020; 61:726-739. [PMID: 31883129 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in surgery, the reconstruction of segmental nerve injuries continues to pose challenges. In this review, current neurobiology regarding regeneration across a nerve defect is discussed in detail. Recent findings include the complex roles of nonneuronal cells in nerve defect regeneration, such as the role of the innate immune system in angiogenesis and how Schwann cells migrate within the defect. Clinically, the repair of nerve defects is still best served by using nerve autografts with the exception of small, noncritical sensory nerve defects, which can be repaired using autograft alternatives, such as processed or acellular nerve allografts. Given current clinical limits for when alternatives can be used, advanced solutions to repair nerve defects demonstrated in animals are highlighted. These highlights include alternatives designed with novel topology and materials, delivery of drugs specifically known to accelerate axon growth, and greater attention to the role of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Pan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Susan E Mackinnon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew D Wood
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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9
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Sperry ZJ, Graham RD, Peck-Dimit N, Lempka SF, Bruns TM. Spatial models of cell distribution in human lumbar dorsal root ganglia. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:1644-1659. [PMID: 31872433 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which contain the somata of primary sensory neurons, have increasingly been considered as novel targets for clinical neural interfaces, both for neuroprosthetic and pain applications. Effective use of either neural recording or stimulation technologies requires an appropriate spatial position relative to the target neural element, whether axon or cell body. However, the internal three-dimensional spatial organization of human DRG neural fibers and somata has not been quantitatively described. In this study, we analyzed 202 cross-sectional images across the length of 31 human L4 and L5 DRG from 10 donors. We used a custom semi-automated graphical user interface to identify the locations of neural elements in the images and normalize the output to a consistent spatial reference for direct comparison by spinal level. By applying a recursive partitioning algorithm, we found that the highest density of cell bodies at both spinal levels could be found in the inner 85% of DRG length, the outer-most 25-30% radially, and the dorsal-most 69-76%. While axonal density was fairly homogeneous across the DRG length, there was a distinct low density region in the outer 7-11% radially. These findings are consistent with previous qualitative reports of neural distribution in DRG. The quantitative measurements we provide will enable improved targeting of future neural interface technologies and DRG-focused pharmaceutical therapies, and provide a rigorous anatomical description of the bridge between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachariah J Sperry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Robert D Graham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nicholas Peck-Dimit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Scott F Lempka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Tim M Bruns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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10
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MR Neurography: Normative Values in Correlation to Demographic Determinants in Children and Adolescents. Clin Neuroradiol 2019; 30:671-677. [DOI: 10.1007/s00062-019-00834-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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11
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Haberberger RV, Barry C, Dominguez N, Matusica D. Human Dorsal Root Ganglia. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:271. [PMID: 31293388 PMCID: PMC6598622 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons with cell bodies situated in dorsal root ganglia convey information from external or internal sites of the body such as actual or potential harm, temperature or muscle length to the central nervous system. In recent years, large investigative efforts have worked toward an understanding of different types of DRG neurons at transcriptional, translational, and functional levels. These studies most commonly rely on data obtained from laboratory animals. Human DRG, however, have received far less investigative focus over the last 30 years. Nevertheless, knowledge about human sensory neurons is critical for a translational research approach and future therapeutic development. This review aims to summarize both historical and emerging information about the size and location of human DRG, and highlight advances in the understanding of the neurochemical characteristics of human DRG neurons, in particular nociceptive neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Viktor Haberberger
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Christine Barry
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicholas Dominguez
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dusan Matusica
- Pain and Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory, Centre for Neuroscience, Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Godel T, Bäumer P, Pham M, Köhn A, Muschol N, Kronlage M, Kollmer J, Heiland S, Bendszus M, Mautner VF. Human dorsal root ganglion in vivo morphometry and perfusion in Fabry painful neuropathy. Neurology 2017; 89:1274-1282. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective:To evaluate functional and morphometric magnetic resonance neurography of the dorsal root ganglion and peripheral nerve segments in patients with Fabry painful neuropathy.Methods:In this prospective study, the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia and proximal peripheral nerve segments of the lower extremity were examined in 11 male patients with Fabry disease by a standardized 3T magnetic resonance neurography protocol. Volumes of L3 to S2 dorsal root ganglia, perfusion parameters of L5-S1 dorsal root ganglia and the spinal nerve L5, and the cross-sectional area of the proximal sciatic nerve were compared to healthy controls.Results:Dorsal root ganglia of patients with Fabry disease were symmetrically enlarged by 78% (L3), 94% (L4), 122% (L5), 115% (S1), and 119% (S2) (p < 0.001). In addition, permeability of the blood-tissue interface was decreased by 53% (p < 0.001). This finding was most pronounced in the peripheral zone of the dorsal root ganglion containing the cell bodies of the primary sensory neurons (p < 0.001). Spinal nerve permeability showed no difference between patients with Fabry disease and controls (p = 0.7). The sciatic nerve of patients with Fabry disease at the thigh level showed an increase in cross-sectional area by 48% (p < 0.001).Conclusions:Patients with Fabry disease have severely enlarged dorsal root ganglia with dysfunctional perfusion. This may be due to glycolipid accumulation in the dorsal root ganglia mediating direct neurotoxic effects and decreased neuronal blood supply. These alterations were less pronounced in peripheral nerve segments. Thus, the dorsal root ganglion might play a key pathophysiologic role in the development of neuropathy and pain in Fabry disease.
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Karalija A, Novikova LN, Orädd G, Wiberg M, Novikov LN. Differentiation of Pre- and Postganglionic Nerve Injury Using MRI of the Spinal Cord. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168807. [PMID: 28036395 PMCID: PMC5201258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a devastating type of nerve injury, potentially causing loss of motor and sensory function. Principally, BPI is either categorized as preganglionic or postganglionic, with the early establishment of injury level being crucial for choosing the correct treatment strategy. Despite diagnostic advances, the need for a reliable, non-invasive method for establishing the injury level remains. We studied the usefulness of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord for determination of injury level. The findings were related to neuronal and glial changes. Rats underwent unilateral L4 & L5 ventral roots avulsion or sciatic nerve axotomy. The injuries served as models for pre- and postganglionic BPI, respectively. MRI of the L4/L5 spinal cord segments 4 weeks after avulsion showed ventral horn (VH) shrinkage on the injured side compared to the uninjured side. Axotomy induced no change in the VH size on MRI. Following avulsion, histological sections of L4/L5 revealed shrinkage in the VH grey matter area occupied by NeuN-positive neurons, loss of microtubular-associated protein-2 positive dendritic branches (MAP2), pan-neurofilament positive axons (PanNF), synaptophysin-positive synapses (SYN) and increase in immunoreactivity for the microglial OX42 and astroglial GFAP markers. Axotomy induced no changes in NeuN-reactivity, modest decrease of MAP2 immunoreactivity, no changes in SYN and PanNF labelling, and a modest increase in OX42 and SYN labeling. Histological and radiological findings were congruent when assessing changes after axotomy, while MRI somewhat underestimated the shrinkage. This study indicates a potential diagnostic value of structural spinal cord MRI following BPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Karalija
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Liudmila N. Novikova
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Greger Orädd
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Centre for Comparative Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Wiberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lev N. Novikov
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section of Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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West CA, Ljungberg C, Wiberg M, Hart A. Sensory Neuron Death After Upper Limb Nerve Injury and Protective Effect of Repair. Neurosurgery 2013; 73:632-9; discussion 640. [DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Extensive death of sensory neurons after nerve trauma depletes the number of regenerating neurons, contributing to inadequate cutaneous innervation density and poor sensory recovery. Experimentally proven neuroprotective neoadjuvant drugs require noninvasive in vivo measures of neuron death to permit clinical trials. In animal models of nerve transection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved a valid tool for quantifying sensory neuron loss within dorsal root ganglia (DRG) by measuring consequent proportional shrinkage of respective ganglia.
OBJECTIVE:
This system is investigated for clinical application after upper limb nerve injury and microsurgical nerve repair.
METHODS:
A 3-T clinical magnet was used to image and measure volume (Cavalieri principle) of C7-T1 DRG in uninjured volunteers (controls, n = 14), hand amputees (unrepaired nerve injury, n = 5), and early nerve repair patients (median and ulnar nerves transected, microsurgical nerve repair within 24 hours, n = 4).
RESULTS:
MRI was well tolerated. Volumetric analysis was feasible in 74% of patients. A mean 14% volume reduction was found in amputees' C7 and C8 DRG (P < .001 vs controls). Volume loss was lower in median and ulnar nerve repair patients (mean 3% volume loss, P < .01 vs amputees), and varied among patients. T1 DRG volume remained unaffected.
CONCLUSION:
MRI provides noninvasive in vivo assessment of DRG volume as a proxy clinical measure of sensory neuron death. The significant decrease found after unrepaired nerve injury provides indirect clinical evidence of axotomy-induced neuronal death. This loss was less after nerve repair, indicating a neuroprotective benefit of early repair. Volumetric MRI has potential diagnostic applications and is a quantitative tool for clinical trials of neuroprotective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Alexander West
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Anatomy, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section for Hand & Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Umea, Sweden
| | - Christina Ljungberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Anatomy, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section for Hand & Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Umea, Sweden
| | - Mikael Wiberg
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Anatomy, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section for Hand & Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Umea, Sweden
| | - Andrew Hart
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Section for Hand & Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Umea, Sweden
- Plastic Surgery Research, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, Scottish National Brachial Plexus Service, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Johnson PJ, Wood MD, Moore AM, Mackinnon SE. Tissue engineered constructs for peripheral nerve surgery. Eur Surg 2013; 45. [PMID: 24385980 DOI: 10.1007/s10353-013-0205-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tissue engineering has been defined as "an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and life sciences toward the development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function or a whole organ". Traumatic peripheral nerve injury resulting in significant tissue loss at the zone of injury necessitates the need for a bridge or scaffold for regenerating axons from the proximal stump to reach the distal stump. METHODS A review of the literature was used to provide information on the components necessary for the development of a tissue engineered peripheral nerve substitute. Then, a comprehensive review of the literature is presented composed of the studies devoted to this goal. RESULTS Extensive research has been directed toward the development of a tissue engineered peripheral nerve substitute to act as a bridge for regenerating axons from the proximal nerve stump seeking the distal nerve. Ideally this nerve substitute would consist of a scaffold component that mimics the extracellular matrix of the peripheral nerve and a cellular component that serves to stimulate and support regenerating peripheral nerve axons. CONCLUSIONS The field of tissue engineering should consider its challenge to not only meet the autograft "gold standard" but also to understand what drives and inhibits nerve regeneration in order to surpass the results of an autograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Johnson
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid, 8238, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - M D Wood
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid, 8238, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - A M Moore
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid, 8238, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - S E Mackinnon
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid, 8238, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Maripuu A, Björkman A, Björkman-Burtscher IM, Mannfolk P, Andersson G, Dahlin LB. Reconstruction of sciatic nerve after traumatic injury in humans - factors influencing outcome as related to neurobiological knowledge from animal research. J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2012; 7:7. [PMID: 23050805 PMCID: PMC3540024 DOI: 10.1186/1749-7221-7-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim was to evaluate what can be learned from rat models when treating patients suffering from a sciatic nerve injury. Methods Two patients with traumatic sciatic nerve injury are presented with examination of motor and sensory function with a five-year follow-up. Reconstruction of the nerve injury was performed on the second and third day, respectively, after injury using sural nerve grafts taken from the injured leg. The patients were examined during follow-up by electromyography (EMG), MRI and functionalMRI (fMRI) to evaluate nerve reinnervation, cell death in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and cortical activation; factors that were related to clinical history in the patients. Results One patient regained good motor function of the lower leg and foot, confirmed by EMG showing good activation in the leg muscles and some reinnervation in the foot muscles, as well as some sensory function of the sole of the foot. The other patient regained no motor (confirmed by EMG) or sensory function in the leg or foot. Factors most influential on outcome in two cases were type of injury, nerve gap length and particularly type of reconstruction. A difference in follow-up and rehabilitation likely also influence outcome. MRI did not show any differences in DRG size of injured side compared to the uninjured side. fMRI showed normal activation in the primary somatosensory cortex as a response to cutaneous stimulation of the normal foot. However, none of the two patients showed any activation in the primary somatosensory cortex following cutaneous stimulation of the injured foot. Conclusions In decision making of nerve repair and reconstruction data from animal experiments can be translated to clinical practice and to predict outcome in patients, although such data should be interpreted with caution and linked to clinical experience. Rat models may be useful to identify and study factors that influence outcome after peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction; procedures that should be done correctly and with a competent team. However, some factors, such as cognitive capacity and coping, known to influence outcome following nerve repair, are difficult to study in animal models. Future research has to find and develop new paths and techniques to study changes in the central nervous system after nerve injury and develop strategies to utilize brain plasticity during the rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Maripuu
- Departments of Hand Surgery, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Bao YF, Tang WJ, Zhu DQ, Li YX, Zee CS, Chen XJ, Geng DY. Sensory neuronopathy involves the spinal cord and brachial plexus: a quantitative study employing multiple-echo data image combination (MEDIC) and turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM). Neuroradiology 2012; 55:41-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00234-012-1085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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