A study of degeneration and regeneration in the divided rat sciatic nerve based on electron microscopy

Summary

In the first six days after division myelinated axons in the proximal stump of rat sciatic nerves produce collateral and terminal sprouts. These are present as circumscribed “groups” which are positively distinguishable from clusters of non-myelinated axons. Two types of “groups” are identifiable, and their distribution in some of the nerve segments is analysed. Their evolution was followed in sequential nerve segments, the initial ‘tight’ structure becoming looser between 7 and 10 days, and myelinated axons appeared in them during this time. At this stage a complete basal lamina was present surrounding the entire “group”. Some of the cells in the “groups” did not have the characteristics of Schwann cells. Between 7 and 10 days after division alveolate vesicles and densely staining material in the cisternae of the rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum were prominent in Schwann cells in the distal part of the proximal stump. It is thought that both types of “group” are developed from single myelinated axons and the name “regenerating unit” is proposed for both types. Their relationship to “clusters”, seen in the distal stump of regenerating peripheral nerves, and “onion bulbs”, present in some peripheral neuropathies, is discussed.