Russian Journal of Physiology

Advances in Research on Neuropharmacological Mechanisms of Development and Innovative Approaches to Neuromodulatory Therapy for Diseases of the Spinal Cord and Brain

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

Investigation of Parkinsonism Development Mechanisms and Novel Approaches to Multisystem Neurorehabilitation

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

Parkinsonism is one of the most prevalent neurological syndromes, characterized by the disruption of the dopaminergic system of the brain. It has been demonstrated that locomotor and postural functions are amongst the earliest to be compromised. The mechanisms underlying parkinsonism remain largely unexplored, necessitating the development of novel etiopathogenetic treatment approaches. Transgenic knockout (KO) animals serve as a unique model for studying the molecular and genetic basis of brain functioning in both normal and pathological conditions. This review focuses on certain transgenic animal models used to investigate disruptions in the extrapyramidal nigrostriatal control of spinal and brainstem sensorimotor networks. Rats with a dopamine transporter deficiency (DAT-KO) are widely utilized to study the dopaminergic system. The administration of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT), a dopamine synthesis inhibitor, to these animals allows for the creation of a unique reversible parkinsonism model. The TAAR-KO mice model provides a valuable tool for evaluating the functional significance of the trace amine (TA) system and its associated receptors (trace amine associated receptors, TAAR) in sensorimotor control. Early studies have demonstrated the influence of TAAR1 and TAAR5 receptors on dopamine levels and the state of dopaminergic neurons. Notably, TAAR-KO animals exhibit improved motor abilities and coordination skills compared to wild-type animals. Based on these findings, it can be hypothesized that targeting trace amine receptors may help restore the function of dopaminergic neurons and compensate for motor disturbances associated with parkinsonism. Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is capable of activating neuronal networks, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and promoting functional recovery when dopaminergic neurotransmission is impaired. In combination with the effects on trace amine receptors, this approach, as part of the previously proposed multisystem neurorehabilitation strategy, may contribute to a synergistic therapeutic effect.

The Effect of Dopamine on Neuroplasticity in Spinal Cord Injury

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a chronic neurological disease caused by damage to spinal cord tissue and often leading to severe multisystem complications, impaired autonomic functions, risk of developing depressive states, a sharp decrease in the quality of life and disability of patients. Dopamine plays an important role in the regulation of motor functions and immune response, making it a promising vector for the development of therapy after SCI. This review examines the sources of dopamine in the spinal cord, its role in neuroplasticity, and its effects on neurotrophic factors and neurogenesis. Dopamine modulates synaptic plasticity via D1 and D2 receptors, promoting axonal growth and synaptogenesis. It can also stimulate the synthesis of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, GDNF, NGF and CNTF, which support neuronal survival and reduce inflammation. In addition, dopamine regulates differentiation, myelination, immune responses by suppressing the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and enhancing anti-inflammatory processes. Despite its therapeutic potential, the dual role of dopamine in some processes, such as suppression of angiogenesis, requires further study. This review highlights the multifaceted role of dopamine in recovery after SCI and its potential for the development of new treatment strategies.

The Role of Dopamine in Chronic Pain: Neuroinflammation and Neurogenesis

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

Chronic pain is a complex condition that directly affects the quality of life of patients. Regulation and treatment of chronic pain are associated with a number of difficulties, primarily due to the multifactorial nature of this condition. The causes of chronic pain can be associated not only with physical damage, such as various injuries, diseases and the development of neuroinflammation, but also with a violation of the synthesis of neurotransmitters, as well as complex processes of neurogenesis.

In this review, we describe the complex and multifaceted interaction between dopaminergic regulation, neurogenesis and neuroinflammation on the development of chronic pain. Further studies of these relationships can lead to the creation of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at eliminating chronic pain. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms underlying analgesia associated with the dopamine reward system can form the basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches to relieve and control pain.

Cell Therapy and Biomaterials: Modern Approaches in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a pathology with a complex pathogenesis that currently lacks a complete treatment strategy. Among the emerging therapies, a combination approach is considered a promising option, which involves the use of biomaterial scaffolds to deliver both the cells themselves and drugs to the injured area of the spinal cord (SC). Single cell therapy is ineffective, but biomaterial-based scaffolds are able to confine transplanted cells from the aggressive microenvironment of the injury focus, as well as provide the necessary framework for adhesion and further integration of cells into the recipient's neural tissue. Modern approaches in the field of cell and organoid therapies together with smart biomaterials capable of changing their properties in response to specific stimuli offer great opportunities in the field of TCM therapy. This review aims to cover all relevant data in the field of novel therapies for TCM using cell therapies and biomaterials and their combinations. The paper describes the advantages and disadvantages of different types of cell grafts, including less common ones, presents a method of brain organoid transplantation, and highlights the most commonly used types of scaffolds, selected for their mechanical properties and 3D architecture.

Studies on Mechanisms of Development and Electrostimulation Approaches to Migraine Therapy

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

Migraine with its high prevalence, complex pathogenesis, including changes in the nervous, immune, cardiovascular systems, and limited effectiveness of drug treatment, is one of the urgent problems of modern medicine. The search for new pharmaceutical targets and development of pharmacological agents is required. Since the end of the 20th century, studies have shown the possible involvement of the brain's dopaminergic system in the pathogenesis of migraine. Migraine pain is often combined with premonitory yawning and drowsiness, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, postdromal drowsiness, euphoria and polyuria, which may be related to dopaminergic activity. The study of dopaminergic mechanisms of migraine development may form the basis of future drug lines for the therapy of cephalgia. One of the problems in modern clinical practice is the selection of therapy for the treatment and prevention of migraine. Excessive uncontrolled use of analgesics for pain attacks increases the risk of transition of episodic migraine into a chronic form. In this regard, recently great importance has been given to the study of non-drug treatment methods, among which neuromodulation occupies a special place. Electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal cord has shown high efficacy in chronic migraine in the clinic, but the mechanisms of migraine neuromodulation have not been determined. This review describes the current understanding of the role of dopamine in the development of migraine, considers a new experimental model for studying the mechanisms of its development - animals with dopaminergic dysregulation, with dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-KO), describes possible mechanisms, prerequisites and experience of using spinal electrical stimulation for the treatment of migraine.

Role of Trace Amines and Their Receptors in Neuroinflammation Development and Posttraumatic Spinal Cord and Brain Repair

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

Traumatic injuries of the spinal cord and brain are severe neurological conditions that affect disruption of motor, sensory and autonomic functions and, in the case of traumatic brain injury, may also lead to headaches and migraines, memory impairment and other cognitive functions. Central nervous system injuries cause severe neuroinflammation characterized by acute reactivity of microglia, macrophages and astrocytes. This leads to long-term consequences, including local scarring, gliosis and myelination defects, which significantly affect brain development and function. Trace amines may play a significant role in the development of neuroinflammation and hypoxia in spinal cord and brain injuries. Some individual trace amines influence recovery processes: 3-iodothyronamine is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, octopamine modulates the state of astrocytes, agmatine affects the expression of trophic factors and neurogenesis after injury. Additionally, trace amines, such as tyramine, tryptamine, β-phenylethylamine and trace amine associated receptors act as neuromodulators of spinal cord and brain functions and affect locomotor activity independently of the descending projections of classical monoamines. This review contains and summarizes This review contains data on the effects of various trace amines and their receptors in the development of inflammatory processes in spinal cord and brain injuries, as well as explores the prospects for their potential therapeutic applications.

Neural Interfaces: Applications, Innovative Approaches, Biocompatibility, Biomimetics

2025-09-09T17:36:15+03:00

The article presents a summary and critical analysis of the literature data on neural interfaces mainly for the last five years. An examples, experimental findings, clinical outcomes of applications of neural interfaces aimed at enhancing human capabilities in interacting with the environment and leveraging advancements in electronics, nanoscale bioengineering, and artificial intelligence to improve quality of life or advance regenerative medicine are shown. The review highlights the most promising types of neural interfaces, with particular emphasis on invasive technologies and the application of cutting-edge developments in implantable materials characterized by high biocompatibility, long-term stability, and optimized biophysical properties. Materials for invasive technologies are evaluated in terms of their suitability for specific biomedical applications, accompanied by comparative analyses. Significant attention is devoted to emerging technologies in biomimetics and electrical biostimulation, as well as innovative approaches to the applied aspects of brain and spinal interfaces. Thus, this review serves as a valuable resource for students and professionals whose educational and career interests are focused on an in-depth exploration of neural interface technologies.