Effect of nerve section on perineuronal glial cells in the CNS of rat and cat

摘要

The effect of axotomy on the numbers and density of perineuronal cell populations was evaluated in rats, cats and kittens. Cats were sacrificed at different postoperative time intervals two through 90 days after unilateral plexotomy. Kittens (6–10 weeks of age) were subjected to the same surgical procedure and sacrificed one through 28 days after surgery. Rats were sacrificed 10 and 15 days after unilateral lateral section of the brachial plexus or at 7 or 10 days after section of the left hypoglossal nerve. A marked increase in the total number and density of perineuronal cells occurred in the rat ventral horn 10 and 15 days after axotomy. A similar response was noted in the rat hypoglossal nucleus 7 and 10 days after neurotomy. In contrast, no significant change in these parameters was observed in the ventral horns of cats and kittens at any of the postoperative time interval