Retrograde axonal transport mediates the onset of regenerative changes in the hypoglossal nucleus.
The hypoglossal nucleus was assayed for [14C]2-deoxyglucose uptake 24 h after axotomy with and without colchicine injections into the nerve proximal to the nerve transection. Colchicine effectively blocked the usual increase in [14C]2-deoxyglucose uptake seen after axotomy. The drug also blocked the transport of horseradish peroxidase from the tongue muscles to the hypoglossal nucleus which otherwise occurred within this time period. Distribution of [3H]colchicine showed that the drug remained localized within the nerve close to the injection point. These results suggest that retrograde axoplasmic flow is involved in the mechanism which initiates hypoglossal neuron regeneration.
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D001370:Axonal Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D003078:Colchicine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003847:Deoxyglucose / Q000378:metabolism; D007002:Hypoglossal Nerve / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D014059:Tongue / Q000294:innervation
D003847:Deoxyglucose; D003078:Colchicine