The Role of Histological Techniques in Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

The nervous system (NS), thanks to its electroconductive properties, is responsible for the control of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions of the different organs and systems in most organisms. It is composed of the central & peripheral nervous systems which create a highly complex anatomical interconnected network through the body. Central nervous system (CNS) organs, which are derivatives from the neuroectoderm (neural tube) are protected by complex bone structures and cavities, and they are the brain, brain stem, cerebellum, spinal cord, and optic nerve. In the case of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), it is composed of different organs, such as peripheral nerves, sensory and autonomic ganglia, nerve endings, and corpuscles. In general, the structure and function of the nervous system are well studied, but more research is needed to elucidate the complexity of the neural network, the regenerative properties of the neural tissue, or the role of neural stem cells during development, aging & regeneration.

Unfortunately, the NS is frequently affected by a wide range of pathological conditions, traumatic injuries, and neoplasms. In this context, researchers are focused on the study of the cellular and molecular processes involved during the pathogenesis of these conditions (such as Alzheimer's, demyelinating, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.) or are oriented toward the development of new therapeutic strategies for these patients. Among these new strategies highlight the development of new drugs, the application of cell-based therapies, and the design and application of engineering substituted by neural engineering.

The normal and pathological features of the NS can be assessed by a wide range of methods, especially by histological techniques. These methods allow us to decipher the structural features of the NS cells, their complex interactions, the expression and distribution of highly specific molecules, or the changes that occur following an experimental set-up, such as the repair of peripheral nerves by engineered substitutes. In this sense, the aim of this special issue is to serve as a comprehensive scientific platform for the publication and diffusion of editorial letters, reviews, and experimental articles in the neuroscience field in which histological analyses play essential roles.

Prof. Dr. Víctor S. Carriel
Prof. Dr. Fernando Campos Sánchez
Guest Editors

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• nerve tissue histology
• histochemistry
• immunohistochemistry
• metal reduction techniques
• light & electron microscopy
• morphometric analyses
• tissue engineering
• nerve regeneration
• neural degeneration
• demyelinating diseases