Regenerating autonomic nerve in experiment. I. Ultrastructure of regenerating axons proximal to the lesion
Polónyi, J.; Kapeller, K.; Mráz, P.
Folia Morphologica 25(4): 400-406
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5640 PMID: 924299 Document Number: 123483
The dog hypogastric nerve, regenerating after injury caused by a primary ligature, was used as an experimental model for studying dynamic processes in the regenerating axon. Axons in process of growth (i.e., 5-7 wk after the primary lesion) were ligated secondarily. Changes in the ultrastructure of regenerating axons were observed [by EM] 24-72 h after secondary ligation proximal to the ligature. Accumulation of axoplasmic organelles, mainly dilated tubular structures, dense-cored vesicles, mitochondria and sometimes neurofilaments, was observed. Fewer dense-cored vesicles and mitochondria accumulated in this phase in regenerating axons than in matured axons. Axonal branching was found distal to the primary ligature. The axons in the process of growth are presumed to perform rotatory movements.