The role of propriospinal interneurons in recovery from spinal cord injury

摘要: Abstract Over one hundred years ago, Sir Charles Sherrington described a population of spinal cord interneurons (INs) that connect multiple segments and participate in complex or ‘long’ motor reflexes. These neurons were subsequently termed propriospinal (PNs) are known to play crucial role control sensory processing. Recent work has shown PNs may also be an important substrate for recovery from injury (SCI) as they contribute plastic reorganisation circuits. The location, inter-segmental projection pattern sheer number mean after SCI, significant them capable ‘bridging’ incomplete lesion. When these properties combined with the capacity activate coordinate locomotor central generators (CPGs), it is clear ideally placed assist recovery. Here we summarise anatomy, organisation function uninjured cord, briefly outline pathophysiology describe how function, finally, discuss mechanisms underlie PN plasticity. We propose there two major challenges research. first learn more about ways can promote plasticity manipulate ‘hostile’ micro-environment limits regeneration damaged cord. second study cellular/intrinsic better understand their both normal injured This article part Special Issue entitled ‘Synaptic Plasticity & Interneurons’.