Role of electrical activity in promoting neural repair NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS Goldberg, J. L. 2012; 519 (2): 134-137

Abstract

The nervous system communicates in a language of electrical activities. The motivation to replace function lost through injury or disease through electrical prostheses has gained traction through steady advances in basic and translational science addressing the interface between electrical prostheses and the nervous system. Recent experiments suggest that electrical activity, signaling through specific molecular pathways, promotes neuronal survival and regeneration. Such data suggests that electrical prostheses, in addition to replacing lost function, may slow underlying degenerative disease or induce regenerative response. Here we review these data with a focus on retinal neurons, and discuss current efforts to translate this effect of electrical activity into clinically applicable treatments.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.02.003

View details for Web of Science ID 000306146800008

View details for PubMedID 22342908

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3360133