Role of Central Plasticity in the Outcome of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

The optimal refinement in nerve repair techniques has reached a plateau, making it imperative to continually explore newer avenues for improving the clinical outcome of peripheral nerve regeneration. The aim of this short review is to discuss the role and mechanism of brain plasticity in nerve regeneration, as well as to explore the possible application of this knowledge for improving the clinical outcome following nerve repair. ABBREVIATIONS: BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor GABA, Gamma amino-butyric acid ICN-MCN, intercosto-musculocutaneous nerve LTD, long-term depression LTP, long-term potentiation NGF, nerve growth factor NT-4, neurotrophin TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation