Neurotrophic factors and neural prostheses: potential clinical applications based upon findings in the auditory system

IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2007 Jun;54(6 Pt 1):1138-48. doi: 10.1109/TBME.2007.895375.

Abstract

Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are the target cells of the cochlear implant, a neural prosthesis designed to provide important auditory cues to severely or profoundly deaf patients. The ongoing degeneration of SGNs that occurs following a sensorineural hearing loss is, therefore, considered a limiting factor in cochlear implant efficacy. We review neurobiological techniques aimed at preventing SGN degeneration using exogenous delivery of neurotrophic factors. Application of these proteins prevents SGN degeneration and can enhance neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, chronic electrical stimulation of SGNs increases neurotrophic factor-induced survival and is correlated with functional benefits. The application of neurotrophic factors has the potential to enhance the benefits that patients can derive from cochlear implants; moreover, these techniques may be relevant for use with neural prostheses in other neurological conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Cochlea / drug effects*
  • Cochlea / physiopathology
  • Cochlear Implants / trends*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / drug effects
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / physiology
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / pathology
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / physiopathology*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / therapy*
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Nerve Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Nerve Degeneration / prevention & control*
  • Nerve Growth Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Neurons, Afferent / drug effects
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology
  • Recovery of Function / drug effects
  • Recovery of Function / physiology
  • Spiral Ganglion / drug effects
  • Spiral Ganglion / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors