Failure of central axonal regeneration after immunosuppressive treatment
Berry, M.; Riches, A.C.; Knowles, J.; Willis, P.; Steers, D.
Journal of Anatomy 129(Pt 2): 243-256
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-8782 PMID: 387690 Document Number: 146983
CNS axons in mammals may not regenerate after injury because an autoimmune reaction is mobilized against damaged CNS tissue, and auto-antibodies, or sensitized cells, in some way interfere with the growth of regenerating fibers. This hypothesis was tested by applying cellular and humoral immunosuppressive techniques to mice and rats with brain lesions. In no case with effective depression of cellular and humoral immunity was enhanced regeneration of CNS axons recorded, nor was any effect noted on the density of scar tissue deposited in the wound. Since the results do not support an immune hypothesis, autoimmune reactions to CNS autoantigens occurring after CNS injury are probably not responsible for the failure of CNS axons to regenerate.