Changes in extracellular space in optic nerves of regenerative and nonregenerative animals after hypertonic fixation: implications for axon regeneration.
The optic nerves of some regenerative and nonregenerative animals were compared using electron microscopy, after hypertonic perfusion. Optic axons and glial cell processes separated more readily in regenerative animals, creating large extracellular spaces. In mammals, cell processes remained in close proximity. These findings may indicate lesser adhesion between cell processes in optic nerves of regenerative animals, a characteristic that could allow "potential" space for axon regrowth after nerve injury.
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D006054:Goldfish; D006982:Hypertonic Solutions; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits; D011898:Ranidae; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012455:Salamandridae; D013395:Sucrose / Q000494:pharmacology
D006982:Hypertonic Solutions; D013395:Sucrose