Targeting sensory nerves after growth plate injuries may bolster healing
In January this year, a team of Johns Hopkins Medicine investigators, led by pathologist Aaron W. James, MD, Ph.D., discovered that sensory neurons in skeletal tissue are constantly sensing their environment and quickly respond to injuries. In new research published in Science Translational Medicine, they describe how this response profoundly affects growth plates, the soft cartilage at the end…
New research published in Science Translational Medicine has revealed that sensory nerves in children's growth plates respond rapidly to injuries, affecting bone development. Sensory neurons in skeletal tissue continuously sense their surroundings and react swiftly to injuries. After a growth plate injury, an abnormal bony bar forms, hindering recovery and causing stunted or altered bone growth.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that inhibiting TrkA+ sensory neurons using long-acting bupivacaine, an FDA-approved nerve-numbing anesthetic, can reduce this abnormal growth by up to 60%. This suggests that sensory nerves actively participate in orchestrating a healing response after growth plate injuries.
The study, led by pathologist Aaron W. James, MD, Ph.D., opens up possibilities for targeted therapies that could improve pain management and prevent abnormal growth plate repair in children. Up to 30% of childhood skeletal injuries affect growth plates, and while most children recover, some may experience long-term deformities requiring surgical intervention.
The findings also highlight the role of sensory nerves in regulating skeletal pathobiology and suggest further research into understanding the mechanisms behind these interactions.
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