The use of electrical stimulation to modulate cell behaviour in the nervous system

Abstract

Following injury, the nervous system has poor regenerative capabilities and autologous grafts

and nerve conduits are used to help aid in regeneration especially for large gap peripheral nerve injuries. Neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could improve nerve tissue regeneration but their use is limited by delivery methods and source of BDNF. Therefore, we propose, given the electrically excitable nature of the nervous system, that electrical stimulation (ES) is an avenue to modulate the behaviour and expression of BDNF in cells of the nervous system to aid in nerve tissue regeneration.