Degeneration, regeneration, and plasticity in the nervous system

Abstract

Neurotrauma and neurodegenerative disease often result in catastrophic disruption of the elaborate cellular interactions underlying the functional organization of the nervous system. As a result, devastating disabilities are endured that have been viewed for many years as being irreversible. The first clinical report of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries was found in an Egyptian papyrus (the Edwin Smith Papyrus) dating back more than 3500 years, which described both conditions as "an ailment not to be treated." Recent basic science discoveries, however, have begun to temper centuries of pessimism. A challenge of current basic and clinical research is to define novel therapeutic approaches to promote functional repair and significant improvement in quality of life.