Abstract
Purpose: :
To elucidate the regenerative potential of injured optic nerve (ON). We present the results of a study on the regenerative potential of central nervous system (CNS) mammalian axons using our unique rat optic nerve model. We analyzed the cellular and molecular events that control the degenerative and regenerative processes in lower vertebrates such as goldfish, and mammals, following trauma to optic nerve.
Results: :
The regenerative process was traced in vivo using Mn2+ enhancing signal. The signal in non-injured optic nerve was detected in the retina, optic nerve, optic tract, lateral geniculate body and visual cortex. The signal in the injured optic nerve was detected only in the vicinity of the retina and a short proximal stump of optic nerve. Axotomized ONs that were treated with either HA or SAPs exhibited marked regeneration of ON. In vitro confocal imaging evaluation confirmed the MRI findings. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential of bio-materials scaffolds to enhance axonal regeneration. We found that administration of Semaphorin class 3 to injured optic nerve of gold fish disrupted the regenerative process of the injured optic nerve.
Keywords: degenerations/dystrophies • regeneration • optic nerve