A tribute to Dr. David Kline: a new approach to an old peripheral nerve problem--splicing instead of regenerating disrupted axons.
OBJECTIVE
Our goal is to develop a novel method to repair damaged axons. This method relies on acutely restoring axonal continuity rather than the traditional approach of promoting axonal regeneration.


METHODS
Micro- and nanoechnological methods, in combination with focal application of electrical fields, are applied to individual and groups of axons both in vitro and in vivo.


RESULTS
Application of these techniques has permitted micromanipulation of axons at the cellular level and fusion of axonal membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a great deal more work is necessary, our findings suggest that it may one day be possible to repair acutely disrupted axons by splicing their membranes back together.
Chang
Wesley
W
Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, Neuroscience Program and Bioengineering Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Sretevan
David
D
Kliot
Michel
M
D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects