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Neuronal and Nonneuronal Influences on Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival, Axonal Regrowth, and Connectivity after Axotomy a
Author(s) -
BRAY GARTH M.,
VILLEGASPÉREZ MARIA PAZ,
VIDALSANZ MANUEL,
CARTER DAVID A.,
AGUAYO ALBERT J.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1991.tb15613.x
Subject(s) - axotomy , neuroscience , postsynaptic potential , biology , neuron , regeneration (biology) , axoplasmic transport , retina , retinal ganglion cell , central nervous system , anatomy , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , receptor
In contrast to the abortive regrowth that occurs when axons are interrupted in the adult mammalian CNS, exposure of injured CNS axons to the nonneuronal milieu of a peripheral nerve can lead to extensive axonal elongation. With the application of this experimental approach to the retinocollicular pathway in adult rodents, it has been possible to investigate the influences of neuron-glia and other interactions on the capacity of axotomized CNS neurons to survive injury, to elongate the distances necessary to reach specific targets, and to form connections in the CNS in adult rodents. The results of these investigations indicate that the changed glial environment provided by peripheral nerve grafts permits the guided regeneration of RGC axons to their CNS targets. Back in the CNS glial environment, regenerated axons penetrate their targets for short distances and re-form normal appearing synapses that can excite or inhibit postsynaptic neurons. Further studies will require a better understanding of intrinsic neuronal properties and of the interactions of these neurons with other neurons and with the cellular and noncellular components of the extraneural milieu.