Evoking plasticity through sensory stimulation: Implications for learning and rehabilitation

e-Neuroforum ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert R. Dinse ◽  
Martin Tegenthoff
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
Sensory Learning ◽  
Task Training ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Repetitive Sensory Stimulation

AbstractThe gold standard for improving sensory, motor and or cognitive abilities is longterm training and practicing. Recent work, however, suggests that intensive training may not be necessary. Improved performance can be effectively acquired by a complementary approach in which the learning occurs in response to mere exposure to repetitive sensory stimulation. Such training-independent sensory learning (TISL), which has been intensively studied in the somatosensory system, induces in humans lasting changes in perception and neural processing, without any explicit task training. It has been suggested that the effectiveness of this form of learning stems from the fact that the stimulation protocols used are optimized to alter synaptic transmission and efficacy. TISL provides novel ways to investigate in humans the relation between learning processes and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, and to explore alternative strategies for intervention and therapy.

scholarly journals Targeting pain at its source in sickle cell disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (1) ◽  
pp. R104-R112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanika Gupta ◽  
Om Jahagirdar ◽  
Kalpna Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Mast Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Central Nervous Systems

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder associated with hemolytic anemia, end-organ damage, reduced survival, and pain. One of the unique features of SCD is recurrent and unpredictable episodes of acute pain due to vasoocclusive crisis requiring hospitalization. Additionally, patients with SCD often develop chronic persistent pain. Currently, sickle cell pain is treated with opioids, an approach limited by adverse effects. Because pain can start at infancy and continue throughout life, preventing the genesis of pain may be relatively better than treating the pain once it has been evoked. Therefore, we provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sickle cell pain that contribute to the activation of the somatosensory system in the peripheral and central nervous systems. These mechanisms include mast cell activation and neurogenic inflammation, peripheral nociceptor sensitization, maladaptation of spinal signals, central sensitization, and modulation of neural circuits in the brain. In this review, we describe potential preventive/therapeutic targets and their targeting with novel pharmacologic and/or integrative approaches to ameliorate sickle cell pain.

Cyclic AMP Mediates Serotonin-Induced Synaptic Enhancement of Lateral Giant Interneuron of the Crayfish

2005 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 2644-2652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Araki ◽  
Toshiki Nagayama ◽  
Jordanna Sprayberry
Keyword(s):  
Biogenic Amines ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Neural Circuit ◽  
Escape Behavior ◽  
Direct Injection ◽  
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Simultaneous Application ◽  
Camp Analogue ◽  
Repetitive Sensory Stimulation

The lateral giant (LG)-mediated escape behavior of the crayfish habituates readily on repetitive sensory stimulation. Recent studies suggested that the biogenic amines serotonin and octopamine modulate the time course of recovery and/or re-depression of the LG response after habituation. However, little is known of how serotonin and octopamine effect LG habituation and what second-messenger cascades they may activate. To investigate the effect of biogenic amines on LG habituation, serotonin and octopamine were superfused before presenting repetitive sensory stimulation. Serotonin and octopamine increased the number of stimuli needed to habituate the LG response. Their effects were mimicked by mixed application of a cAMP analogue [8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (CPT-cAMP)] and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor [3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)] but not by a cGMP analogue (8-bromoguanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate). Perfusion of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ22536) abolished the effect of serotonin but not that of octopamine. To investigate the site of action of each biogenic amines in the neural circuit meditating LG escape, the effect of drugs on directly and indirectly elicited postsynaptic potentials in LG was investigated. Serotonin, octopamine, and a mixture of CPT-cAMP and IBMX increased both the direct and indirect synaptic inputs. Simultaneous application of SQ22536 abolished the effect of serotonin on both inputs but did not block the effect of octopamine. Direct injection of the cAMP analogue (Sp-isomer of adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate) into LG increased both the direct and indirect inputs to LG. These results indicate that serotonin mediates an increase in cAMP levels in LG, but octopamine acts independently of cAMP and cGMP.

scholarly journals Molecular and biophysical mechanisms behind the enhancement of lung surfactant function during controlled therapeutic hypothermia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Autilio ◽  
M. Echaide ◽  
A. Cruz ◽  
C. Mouton ◽  
A. Hidalgo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Hypothermia ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Lung Surfactant ◽  
Interfacial Structure ◽  
Surfactant Activity ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Biophysical Activity ◽  
Respiratory Outcomes

AbstractTherapeutic hypothermia (TH) enhances pulmonary surfactant performance in vivo by molecular mechanisms still unknown. Here, the interfacial structure and the composition of lung surfactant films have been analysed in vitro under TH as well as the molecular basis of its improved performance both under physiological and inhibitory conditions. The biophysical activity of a purified porcine surfactant was tested under slow and breathing-like dynamics by constrained drop surfactometry (CDS) and in the captive bubble surfactometer (CBS) at both 33 and 37 °C. Additionally, the temperature-dependent surfactant activity was also analysed upon inhibition by plasma and subsequent restoration by further surfactant supplementation. Interfacial performance was correlated with lateral structure and lipid composition of films made of native surfactant. Lipid/protein mixtures designed as models to mimic different surfactant contexts were also studied. The capability of surfactant to drastically reduce surface tension was enhanced at 33 °C. Larger DPPC-enriched domains and lower percentages of less active lipids were detected in surfactant films exposed to TH-like conditions. Surfactant resistance to plasma inhibition was boosted and restoration therapies were more effective at 33 °C. This may explain the improved respiratory outcomes observed in cooled patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and opens new opportunities in the treatment of acute lung injury.

scholarly journals To stimulate or not to stimulate? A rapid systematic review of repetitive sensory stimulation for the upper-limb following stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel C. Stockley ◽  
Kerry Hanna ◽  
Louise Connell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Treatment Session ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Repetitive Sensory Stimulation

Abstract Background Repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) is a therapeutic approach which involves repeated electrical stimulation of the skin’s surface to improve function. This rapid systematic review aimed to describe the current evidence for repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) in rehabilitation of the upper-limb for people who have had a stroke. Main text Methods: Relevant studies were identified in a systematic search of electronic databases and hand-searching in February 2020. The findings of included studies were synthesized to describe: the safety of RSS, in whom and when after stroke it has been used, the doses used and its effectiveness. Results Eight studies were included. No serious adverse events were reported. The majority of studies used RSS in participants with mild or moderate impairments and in the chronic stage after stroke. Four studies used RSS in a single treatment session, reporting significant improvements in strength and hand function. Findings from longitudinal studies showed few significant differences between control and experimental groups. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of included studies. Conclusions This review suggests that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of RSS for the upper-limb after stroke in clinical practice. However, this review highlights several clear research priorities including establishing the mechanism and in whom RSS may work, its safety and optimal treatment parameters to improve function of the upper-limb after stroke.

scholarly journals Cognitive training and neuroplasticity in mild cognitive impairment (COG-IT): protocol for a two-site, blinded, randomised, controlled treatment trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e028536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica D'Antonio ◽  
Laura Simon-Pearson ◽  
Terry Goldberg ◽  
Joel R Sneed ◽  
Sara Rushia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Psychiatric Institute ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Study Results

IntroductionMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in older adults and represents a high-risk group for progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Medication trials in MCI have generally failed, but new discoveries with brain plasticity in ageing have led to the study of cognitive training as a potential treatment to improve cognitive abilities. Computerised cognitive training (CCT) involves computerised cognitive exercises that target specific cognitive abilities and neural networks to potentially improve cognitive functioning through neuroplasticity.Methods and analysisIn a two-site study (New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Medical Center and Duke University Medical Center), we will randomise 100 patients with MCI (Wechsler Memory Scale-III Logical Memory II score 0–11; Folstein Mini Mental State Examination ≥23) to home-based CCT (suite of exercises: memory, matching, spatial recognition, processing speed) or a home-based active control condition (computerised crossword puzzle training (CPT)) with 12 weeks of intensive training followed by regular booster sessions up to 78 weeks. All patients will receive standard neuropsychological and functional assessments in clinic as well as structural/functional brain MRI scans at study entry and endpoint. We will test if CCT, versus CPT, leads to improved cognitive functioning, transfers to functional ability and tasks of everyday life and impacts hippocampal volume changes and changes in the default mode network of the brain measured by resting-state functional MRI.Ethics and disseminationThe study will be conducted following ethics approval and written informed consent will be obtained from all subjects. Study results will be disseminated via publication, clinicaltrials.gov, media and conference presentations. This will be the first controlled long-term trial to evaluate the effects of home-based CCT versus computerised CPT on cognitive abilities and functional measures and neural outcomes as determined by MRI indices in patients with MCI. Positive results from trial may support further development of home-based CCT.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT03205709).

The Potential of Rhythmic Sensory Stimulation Treatments for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Amy Clements-Cortes ◽  
Lee Bartel ◽  
Heidi Ahonen ◽  
Morris Freedman
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Visual Stimulation ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Case Vignette ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Rhythmic Sensory Stimulation (RSS) is a treatment being implemented for persons diagnosed with a variety of disorders such as fibromyalgia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This paper provides qualitative results of observations and interactions of AD study participants who received both RSS and visual stimulation sessions for six weeks. A case vignette is also provided. Objective: The study proposed that RSS could stimulate the auditory and somatosensory system at 40Hz with the potential for improvements in cognition for persons with AD. Method: 18 participants at three stages of AD participated: mild, moderate and severe. Participants received a total of 13 sessions in this AB cross-over design study. Results: Qualitative findings from the study support RSS as a potential treatment for persons with AD to increased alertness, stimulate discussion, and increase interaction and awareness of surroundings. Conclusion: Further research needs to explore the effect of the frequency of sessions provided, the duration of effects, and whether AD severity interacts with the RSS treatment. Further investigations could also study the effect of auditory 40Hz stimulation alone, as well as the inclusion of music listening during the RSS sessions. 

Effect of IL-11 stimulated by co-culture with CAF on metastasis of gastric cancer cells mediated by upregulation of MUC1.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 86-86
Author(s):  
Xiaoxun Wang ◽  
Xiaofang Che ◽  
Yunpeng Liu ◽  
Xiujuan Qu
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Tumor Stroma ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Gastric Cancer Cells ◽  
Stromal Fibroblasts ◽  
Complementary Approach

86 Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the activated fibroblasts in tumor stroma, are important modifiers of tumor progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor-promoting properties of CAFs in gastric cancer remain unclear. Methods: We show that when CAFs co-cultured with gastric cancer cells, two kinds of cells produce significant amounts of interleukin-11 (IL-11). CAFs enhances the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells through the secretion of IL-11 that activates JAK/STAT3 and MAPK/ERK pathways to upregulate MUC1 in gastric cancer cells, while deprivation of IL-11 using a neutralizing antibody or inhibition of JAK/STAT3 and MAPK/ERK pathway with specific inhibitor Stattic and PD-98059 markedly attenuates these phenotypes in gastric cancer cells induced by CAFs. Results: In this study, we find that CAFs in the tumor microenvironment promote the progression of gastric cancer through IL-11-JAK/STAT3 and MAPK/ERK signalings to upregulate MUC1. Conclusions: Taken together, these results suggest that CAFs promote the progression of gastric cancer and IL-11 targeted therapy could be a complementary approach against gastric cancer by exerting their action on stromal fibroblasts.

Training Three Facets of Executive Functions

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 402-413
Author(s):  
Wilhelm Hofmann ◽  
Georg Förster
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Task Training ◽  
Random Slopes

Abstract. Given the importance of executive functions for everyday life, recent years have seen a tremendous interest in whether the basic cognitive abilities involved can be improved by training. The present research investigated whether, compared to an active control group, the three main facets of executive cognitive functions – task switching, updating, and inhibition ( Miyake, Friedman, Emerson, Witzki, & Howerter, 2000 ) – can be trained jointly via intense adaptive online training of 5 weeks. Using a large sample and two training tasks per facet, we obtained clear evidence for increased task performance on all six tasks, suggesting that the three facets can be trained simultaneously, with some tasks showing very large in-task training gains. However, the evidence for correlated in-task training gains and for intermediate transfer effects on related but untrained tasks from pre- to posttest was very weak. Further random slopes analyses suggested that individuals benefit differently from training. These results warrant caution against general and sweeping claims about the far-reaching impact of cognitive training. They rather are in line with a more nuanced view according to which the training of executive functions is specific in at least three important ways.

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