title: Neural plasticity after spinal cord injury.
abstract: Plasticity changes of uninjured nerves can result in a novel neural circuit after spinal cord injury, which can restore sensory and motor functions to different degrees. Although processes of neural plasticity have been studied, the mechanism and treatment to effectively improve neural plasticity changes remain controversial. The present study reviewed studies regarding plasticity of the central nervous system and methods for promoting plasticity to improve repair of injured central nerves. The results showed that synaptic reorganization, axonal sprouting, and neurogenesis are critical factors for neural circuit reconstruction. Directed functional exercise, neurotrophic factor and transplantation of nerve-derived and non-nerve-derived tissues and cells can effectively ameliorate functional disturbances caused by spinal cord injury and improve quality of life for patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China.
authors.forename: Jian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoyu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China.
authors.forename: Lianying
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China.
authors.forename: Chunxin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China.
authors.forename: Maoguang
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yang
keywords: cell transplantation; functional exercise; neurotrophic factor; plasticity; reviews; spinal cord injury; synapse; tissue transplantation