[Misdirected nerve regeneration: clinical implications].
Although peripheral nerve regeneration is not a precise renewal of primary connections, it often leads to successful return of their function. Moreover, in some cases, an injured nerve is aimly stitched to another one. A good example of such a procedure is intercostal neurotization of avulsed brachial plexus. Despite the fact that neural centers are not primarily suitable for their new function, they often fulfill it successfully. This respecification of function requires some changes in the central nervous system called "plasticity". Discussed are the potential mechanisms controlling these changes. The role of hypothetic proteins reversely transported from the target organ to the neuron's body, proprioceptive fibers and volitional control is mentioned. The punctual understanding of these mechanisms may appear not only very scientifically wonderful but also useful in clinical practice.
Swietaszczyk
Cyprian
C
Katedra i Zakładu Fizjologii Akademii Medycznej im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy. voncyprus@wp.pl
Maciaczyk
Jarosław
J
Tafil-Klawe
Małgorzata
M
D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology