Axonal Regeneration and Growth Direction in Square-Shaped Mesothelial Chambers

Abstract

A preformed rectangular mesothelial chamber was used as an experimental model to study possible neurotrophic and chemotactic effects on outgrowing axons. The experiments were performed on rats. The proximal end of a severed sciatic nerve was introduced into one corner of the chamber. In the opposite or the diagonally opposite corner the distal end of the nerve or a nerve transplant was introduced leaving a gap of about 10 mm between the proximal and distal nerve segments. In other series a silicon tube was introduced into a distal corner and some chambers were kept closed distally. After three and six months respectively the contents of the chambers were analysed, using histological and neurophysiological techniques. In all cases there was a preferential growth of regenerating nerve fibres towards and into the distal nerve tissue regardless of the position in the chamber. With a silicon tube or no tissue at all introduced distally the regenerating axons grew only 3–5 mm. These experiments indicate that nerve tissue has a neurotrophic and chemotactic influence on outgrowing axons.

Key Words:

• peripheral nerve
• nerve regeneration
• neurotrophic
• neurotropism
• mesothelial chamber
• axonal guidance