The role of aligned polymer fiber-based constructs in the bridging of long peripheral nerve gaps.

Peripheral nerve regeneration across long nerve gaps is clinically challenging. Autografts, the standard of therapy, are limited by availability and other complications. Here, using rigorous anatomical and functional measures, we report that aligned polymer fiber-based constructs present topographical cues that facilitate the regeneration of peripheral nerves across long nerve gaps.

Central suppression of regenerated proprioceptive afferents.

Long after a cut peripheral nerve reinnervates muscle and restores force production in adult cats, the muscle does not respond reflexively to stretch. Motivated by the likelihood that stretch areflexia is related to problems with sensing and controlling limb position after peripheral neuropathies, we sought to determine the underlying mechanism. Electrophysiological and morphological measurements were made in anesthetized rats having one of the nerves to the triceps surae muscles either untreated or cut and immediately rejoined surgically many months earlier.

Movement reduces the dynamic response of muscle spindle afferents and motoneuron synaptic potentials in rat.

Among the mechanisms that may result in modulation of the stretch reflex by the recent history of muscle contraction is the history dependence observed under some conditions in the response properties of muscle spindles. The present study was designed to test one report that in successive trials of muscle stretch-release, spindle afferent firing during stretch, i.e.