Factors that Contribute to Neuron Survival and Neuron Growth after Injury

摘要

One series of experiments has studied regeneration of the cut central processesof adult dorsal root ganglion cells into transplants of embryonic CNS tissue. The cut dorsal roots regenerate into spinal cord transplants and contain peptides characteristic of normal dorsal roots. Synapses are established that resemble those found in the normal dorsal horn, are functional, and appear to be permanent. Cut dorsal roots also regenerate into transplants of embryonic brain, but growth into spinal cord transplants is more robust. Another series of studies has used immunocytochemical, in situ hybridization, and cell counting methods to show that cutting the peripheral processes of dorsal root ganglion neurons has profound effects on tachykinin synthesis and can cause neuron death, whereas the neurons survive axotomy of their central processes and tachykinin synthesis is unaffected. The most recent studies have shown that embryonic transplants can rescue the axotomized neurons of Clarke's nucleus that would otherwise die.... Embryonic transplants, Dorsal root ganglion CNS regeneration, Spinal, Lab animals, RA II.