Tracking Down CNS Reorganization: Future Sights and Sounds of Somatosensory Research

Abstract

Basic science research on somatosensory reorganization may reveal information on neural plasticity that is critical to preventing phantom limb pain.  Somatosensory research in animals relies on techniques that differ considerably from the in vivo methods employed by neurologists.  In the past, the majority of research in this area was conducted at one level of the central nervous system (CNS) with a single recording electrode.  More recently, new techniques have been introduced into the field of somatosensory reorganization research.                                  A brief description has been made for the following techniques:  single and multi-site electrophysiology, neural tracing, immunocytochemistry directed against the products of late and immediate early genes, as well as optical imaging.  This paper reviews and evaluates these techniques for their contributions to understanding somatosensory reorganization and the underlying mechanisms of neural plasticity.