Direct current stimulation as a non-invasive therapeutic alternative for treating autonomic or non-autonomic neurological disorders affecting breathing.

Direct current stimulation (DCS) is a non-invasive approach to stimulate the nervous system that is now considered a powerful tool for treating neurological diseases such as those affecting cognitive or locomotor functions. DCS, as applied clinically today, is an approach built on early uses in antiquity and knowledge gained over time. Its current use makes use of specific devices and takes into account knowledge of the mechanisms by which this approach modulates functioning of the nervous system at the cellular level.

Defective exercise-related expiratory muscle recruitment in patients with PHOX2B mutations: A clue to neural determinants of the congenital central hypoventilation syndrome.

Introduction And Objectives: The human congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is caused by mutations in the PHOX2B (paired-like homeobox 2B) gene. Genetically engineered PHOX2B rodents exhibit defective development of the brainstem retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), a carbon dioxide sensitive structure that critically controls expiratory muscle recruitment. This has been linked to a blunted exercise ventilatory response.

Serotonin and the ventilatory effects of etonogestrel, a gonane progestin, in a murine model of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome.

Introduction: Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, a rare disease caused by mutation, is associated with absent or blunted CO/H chemosensitivity due to the dysfunction of PHOX2B neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus. No pharmacological treatment is available. Clinical observations have reported non-systematic CO/H chemosensitivity recovery under desogestrel.

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cell therapy to prevent the development of neurodevelopmental disorders related to low birth weight.

Low birth weight (LBW) increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder and autism spectrum disorder, as well as cerebral palsy, for which no prophylactic measure exists. Neuroinflammation in fetuses and neonates plays a major pathogenic role in NDDs. Meanwhile, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) exhibit immunomodulatory properties.

Serotonin 1A Receptor Pharmacotherapy and Neuroplasticity in Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury is associated with damage in descending and ascending pathways between brainstem/cortex and spinal neurons, leading to loss in sensory-motor functions. This leads not only to locomotor reduction but also to important respiratory impairments, both reducing cardiorespiratory engagement, and increasing cardiovascular risk and mortality. Moreover, individuals with high-level injuries suffer from sleep-disordered breathing in a greater proportion than the general population.