Scientific Report , 24 June 2021
The neurodynamic treatment induces biological changes in sensory and motor neurons in vitro
Giacomo Carta 1 2 3 , Giovanna Gambarotta 1 2 , Benedetta Elena Fornasari 1 2 , Luisa Muratori 1 2 , Marwa El Soury 1 2 , Stefano Geuna 1 2 , Stefania Raimondo 4 5 , Federica Fregnan 1 2
Nerves are subjected to tensile forces in various paradigms such as injury and regeneration, joint movement, and rehabilitation treatments, as in the case of neurodynamic treatment (NDT). The NDT induces selective uniaxial repeated tension on the nerve and was described to be an effective treatment to reduce pain in patients. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms activated by the NDT promoting the healing processes of the nerve are yet still unknown. Moreover, a dose–response analysis to define a standard protocol of treatment is unavailable.
In this study, we aimed to define in vitro whether NDT protocols could induce selective biological effects on sensory and motor neurons, also investigating the possible involved molecular mechanisms taking a role behind this change . The obtained results demonstrate that NDT induced significant dose-dependent changes promoting cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and neuron survival, especially in nociceptive neurons. Notably, NDT significantly upregulated PIEZO1 gene expression.
A gene that is coding for an ion channel that is expressed both in murine and human sensory neurons and is related to mechanical stimuli transduction and pain suppression. Other genes involved in mechanical allodynia related to neuroinflammation were not modified by NDT. The results of the present study contribute to increase the knowledge behind the biological mechanisms activated in response to NDT and to understand its efficacy in improving nerve regenerational physiological processes and pain reduction.
The neurodynamic treatment (NDT), administered with a bioreactor built ad hoc , can significantly promote cell survival of sensory neurons (50B11) without producing negative effects also in motor neurons and it promotes the neurite outgrowth and cell differentiation, which are phenomena related to the regeneration of the peripheral nerves.
1
Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
2
Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
3
ASST Nord Milano, Sesto San Giovanni Hospital, Milan, Italy.
4
Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
5
Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Torino, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
Events & Meetings
