Chronic stress hinders sensory axon regeneration via impairing mitochondrial cristae and OXPHOS

Spinal cord injuries can lead to chronic stress, which negatively impacts recovery. This study found that chronic stress impairs the regeneration of sensory axons, which are crucial for regaining sensory and motor function after injury. The researchers discovered that stress hormones like corticosterone affect glial cells, leading to neuronal hyperactivity and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). This, in turn, damages the mitochondria within neurons, hindering their ability to regenerate. Managing psychological stress in SCI patients is important for effective rehabilitation. The study highlights the potential for targeting glial cells and mitochondrial function to improve neural repair.

• 1
  Chronic stress impairs sensory axon regeneration in a preconditioning lesions mouse model.
• 2
  Corticosterone, a stress hormone, affects satellite glial cells by reducing Kir4.1 expression, leading to increased neuronal hyperactivity and reactive oxygen species levels.
• 3
  Stress-induced mitochondrial cristae loss and decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) within primary sensory neurons impede central axon regrowth.