Bioengineered nerve regeneration and muscle reinnervation

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J Anat. 2006 Oct;209(4):511-26.

Bioengineered nerve regeneration and muscle reinnervation.

Kingham PJ, Terenghi G.

Blond McIndoe Research Laboratories, University of Manchester, UK.

The peripheral nervous system has the intrinsic capacity to

regenerate but the reinnervation of muscles is often suboptimal and

results in limited recovery of function. Injuries to nerves that

innervate complex organs such as the larynx are particularly

difficult to treat. The many functions of the larynx have evolved

through the intricate neural regulation of highly specialized

laryngeal muscles. In this review, we examine the responses of

nerves and muscles to injury, focusing on changes in the expression

of neurotrophic factors, and highlight differences between the

skeletal limb and laryngeal muscle systems. We also describe how

artificial nerve conduits have become a useful tool for delivery of

neurotrophic factors as therapeutic agents to promote peripheral

nerve repair and might eventually be useful in the treatment of

laryngeal nerve injury.