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Publisher Summary In adult mammals, different types of neurons whose processes have been damaged in the central nervous system (CNS) may regrow axons along peripheral nerve (PN) grafts that have been inserted near their neuronal somata. This chapter aims to determine whether CNS neurons are capable of establishing synaptic connections through PN grafts, with peripheral targets, or not. The horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labelling experiments from the grafted nerve discussed in this chapter are in full agreement with the results of other investigations, which demonstrate that, following spinal injury, intrinsic neurons, and among them, motoneurons of the ventral horn, have the capability to extend axons into PNS conduits, such as adjacent ventral roots, grafted dorsal and ventral roots, and blind-ended segments of autologous PN grafts. Both electrophysiological and morphological data indicate that a population of axons b, that have regrown from the spinal cord along the PN bridge have established new functional cholinergic connections with the reconnected muscle. However, further investigations should aim at confirming the actual participation of motoneurons to the functional reinnervation, through the PN bridges, of denervated skeletal muscles. |
