The Neuroplastic and Therapeutic Potential of Spinal Interneurons in the Injured Spinal Cord

摘要

The central nervous system is not a static, hard-wired organ. Examples of neuroplasticity, whether at the level of the synapse, the cell, within and between circuits can be found during development, throughout the progression of disease or after injury. One essential component of the molecular, anatomical and functional changes associated with neuroplasticity is the spinal interneuron (SpIN). Here we draw on recent multidisciplinary studies to identify and interrogate subsets of SpINs and their roles in locomotor and respiratory circuits. We highlight some of the recent progress that elucidates the importance of SpINs in circuits affected by spinal cord injury, especially those within respiratory networks, as well as discuss potential ways spinal neuroplasticity can be therapeutically harnessed for recovery.