ISSN:
1432-0533
Keywords:
Nerve Growth Factor
;
Peripheral Nerve Fibres
;
Schwann Cells
;
Electron Microscopy
;
Phase Contrast
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) antiserum causes neuronal loss in the sympathetic ganglia of newborn rats. Pre and post ganglionic sympathetic fibers from eleven such animals and eight controls were studied by phase contrast and electron microscopy. Quantitative techniques were applied to the study of different parameters of the axons and Schwann cells. Treated animals showed only 24% of the axonal population of controls and 34% of Schwann cells. This fiber loss was non-selective, affecting all fiber sizes. Schwann cells from treated animals enclosed fewer axons than normal and some contained none. Contrary to what is seen following transection of an unmyelinated nerve, regenerative axonal sprouting was not observed during the 6 week period studied. Schwann cell processes were elongated and unfolded, frequently engulfing bundles of collagen. NGF antiserum experiments provide a tool for the study of axonal and Schwann cell behaviour after neuronal loss avoiding the disadvantages of the traumatic disruption of neural architecture that results from experimental surgical lesions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00691747
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