By altering the intrinsic metabolism of the cell, including the upregulation of regeneration-associated genes (RAGs) and the production of structural proteins for axonal outgrowth, the conditioning lesion sets up an environment highly conducive to regeneration. In this review, we assess 40 years of research to provide a comprehensive overview of the conditioning lesion literature, directed at (1) discussing the mechanisms of and barriers to nerve regeneration that can be mitigated by the conditioning lesion, (2) describing the cellular and molecular pathways implicated in the conditioning lesion effect, and (3) deliberating on how these insights might be applied clinically. The consequential impact on regeneration is profound, with a conditioned nerve demonstrating longer neurite extensions in vitro, enhanced expression of RAGs within the dorsal root ganglia, early assembly and transportation of cytoskeletal elements, accelerated axonal growth, and improved functional recovery in vivo. Although this promising technique is not yet feasible to be performed in humans, there are potential strategies, such as conditioning electrical stimulation that may be explored to allow nerve conditioning in a clinically safe and well-tolerated manner. Ann Neurol 2018;83:691-702.
© 2018 American Neurological Association.