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Alpha‐Adrenoceptor Modulation in Central Nervous System Trauma: Pain, Spasms, and Paralysis – An Unlucky Triad
Author(s) -
Lemmens Stefanie,
Brône Bert,
Dooley Dearbhaile,
Hendrix Sven,
Geurts Nathalie
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
medicinal research reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.868
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1098-1128
pISSN - 0198-6325
DOI - 10.1002/med.21337
Subject(s) - neuroscience , neuromodulation , context (archaeology) , central nervous system , medicine , spinal cord injury , spinal cord , proinflammatory cytokine , clonidine , psychology , biology , inflammation , anesthesia , paleontology
Abstract Many researchers have attempted to pharmacologically modulate the adrenergic system to control locomotion, pain, and spasms after central nervous system (CNS) trauma, although such efforts have led to conflicting results. Despite this, multiple studies highlight that α‐adrenoceptors (α‐ARs) are promising therapeutic targets because in the CNS, they are involved in reactivity to stressors and regulation of locomotion, pain, and spasms. These functions can be activated by direct modulation of these receptors on neuronal networks in the brain and the spinal cord. In addition, these multifunctional receptors are also broadly expressed on immune cells. This suggests that they might play a key role in modulating immunological responses, which may be crucial in treating spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury as both diseases are characterized by a strong inflammatory component. Reducing the proinflammatory response will create a more permissive environment for axon regeneration and may support neuromodulation in combination therapies. However, pharmacological interventions are hindered by adrenergic system complexity and the even more complicated anatomical and physiological changes in the CNS after trauma. This review is the first concise overview of the pros and cons of α‐AR modulation in the context of CNS trauma.