Regeneration of afferent axons into discrete tracts within peripheral nerves in the leech.
We have analyzed the pathway followed by regenerating afferent axons in peripheral nerves of the leech Hirudo medicinalis by anterograde labeling with horseradish peroxidase. We show that axons are able to reestablish appropriate pathways following a lesion (crush) which greatly disrupts the organization of the nerves. Our results are consistent with a pathway selection mechanism involving axon surface markers which are retained on the distal stumps of crushed axons.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase; D007865:Leeches / Q000502:physiology*; D009409:Nerve Crush; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase