The Role of Nerves in Skeletal Development, Adaptation, and Aging

Abstract

The skeleton is well-innervated, but only recently have the functions of this complex network in bone started to become known. Although our knowledge of skeletal sensory and sympathetic innervation is incomplete, including the specific locations and subtypes of nerves in bone, we are now able to reconcile early studies utilizing denervation models with recent work dissecting the molecular signaling between bone and nerve. In total, sensory innervation functions in bone much as it does elsewhere in the body—to sense and respond to stimuli, including mechanical loading. Similarly, sympathetic nerves regulate autonomic functions related to bone, including homeostatic remodeling and vascular tone. However, more study is required to translate our current knowledge of bone-nerve crosstalk to novel therapeutic strategies that can be effectively utilized to combat skeletal diseases, disorders of low bone mass, and age-related decreases in bone quality.

Effect and mechanism of propranolol on promoting osteogenic differentiation and early implant osseointegration

“…As the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on bone remodeling and healing are complex and extensive, the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully recognized (6). Numerous experiments have investigated the effect of propranolol, a sympathetic blocker drug, on bone metabolism (7)(8)(9). To the best of our knowledge, however, few reports have illustrated the effect and mechanism of propranolol on proliferation of osteoblasts (OBs) and bone resorption of osteoclasts (Ocs).…”

First Report of Peripheral Nerves in Bone from Triceratops horridus Occipital Condyle

“…In addition to soft tissues, bones are deeply innervated by sympathetic and sensory nerves [22–26]. These nerves, along with a corresponding blood supply, travel within Haversian and Volkmann's canals and often produce dense networks [22–24,26].…”

“…In addition to soft tissues, bones are deeply innervated by sympathetic and sensory nerves [22–26]. These nerves, along with a corresponding blood supply, travel within Haversian and Volkmann's canals and often produce dense networks [22–24,26]. The highest density of nerve fibers is known to exist within areas of bone that face the greatest mechanical stress [23], although some reports maintain that much of bone is simply devoid of certain nerves, especially sensory fibers [26,27].…”

“…These nerves, along with a corresponding blood supply, travel within Haversian and Volkmann's canals and often produce dense networks [22–24,26]. The highest density of nerve fibers is known to exist within areas of bone that face the greatest mechanical stress [23], although some reports maintain that much of bone is simply devoid of certain nerves, especially sensory fibers [26,27]. Nevertheless, it would be expected based on current understanding of vertebrate bone anatomy that nerves should reside in vivo within bone canals of dinosaur bones as neurovascular bundles traveling with arteries and veins [22–25].…”

Hematological and Oxidative Stress Markers Analysis for Detection and Prediction of Osteoporosis in Post-menopausal Women

“…Oxidative stress is an unusual condition as a result of an overabundance generation of oxidants in comparison to the antioxidants (Derouiche et al, 2017) that has been regarded as the major cause of many pathologies (Chetehouna et al, 2020). Minerals have a significant effect on the blood clotting, receiving and sending signals, formation of bones, production of cell energy, oxygen transportation, keeping normal heartbeat, synthesizing and metabolizing proteins and fats, providing immunity to the body, acting as coenzymes, and helping nervous system work properly (Tomlinson et al, 2020). Considering this information, the purpose of our work is based on the determination of the variation and specificity of some oxidative and hematological stress markers in the prediction and diagnosis following up of osteoporosis in menopausal women.…”