Summary
Changes in immature rats in motor neurones after axotomy were studied by enzyme-histochemical methods.
Increased activity of dehydrogenases in these neurones demonstrates enhanced metabolism and there was also increase of acid phosphatases. Decreased activity of acetylcholinesterase and indoxylacetate esterase in the neurones and their processes seems to indicate impaired neuronal function to transmit impulses.
“Retrograde” reaction in the immature and the grown up animal is in general of the same kind but takes place quicker in the immature rat. However in new-born and very young animals, it is difficult to recognize alterations in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Therefore, nervous tissue of new-born animals seems not to respond as it does some days later in ontogenesis.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barron, K. D., Sklar, S.: Response of lysosomes of bulbospinal motoneurons to axon section. Neurology (Minneap.)11, 866–875 (1961)
Brattgård, S.-O., Edström, J. E., Hydén, H.: The chemical changes in regenerating neurons. J. Neurochem.1, 316–325 (1957)
Brodal, A.: Experimentelle Untersuchungen über retrograde Zellveränderungen in der unteren Olive nach Läsionen des Kleinhirns. Z. ges. Neurol. Psychiat.166, 646–704 (1939)
Friede, R. L.: Transport of oxidative enzymes in nerve fibers: a histochemical investigation of the regenerative cycle in neurons. Exp. Neurol.1, 441–466 (1959)
Geist, F. D.: Chromatolysis of efferent neurons. Arch. Neurol. Psychiat. (Chic.)29, 88–103 (1933)
Gudden, B. V.: Experimentaluntersuchungen über das peripherische und centrale Nervensystem. Arch. Psychiat. (Berl.)2, 693–723 (1870)
Hess, A.: Reactions of mammalian fetal spinal cord, spinal ganglia and brain to injury. J. exp. Zool.132, 349–389 (1956)
Hess, A.: The experimental embryology of the foetal nervous system. Biol. Rev.32, 231–260 (1957)
La Velle, A., La Velle, F. W.: Neuronal swelling and chromatolysis as influenced by the state of cell development. Amer. J. Anat.102, 219–241 (1958a)
La Velle, A., La Velle, F. W.: The nucleolar apparatus and neuronal reactivity to injury during development. J. exp. Zool.137, 285–315 (1958b)
Maślińska, D., Thomas, E.: A histochemical study of myelin degeneration in the sciatic nerve severed by coagulation. IIIrd Neuropathological Conference Warsaw, 20.–22. March 1975. Neuropat. pol.13, (1975)
Navaratnam, V., Lewis, P. R.: Cholinesterase-containing neurons in the spinal cord of the rat. Brain Res.18, 411–425 (1970)
Novikoff, A. B., Essner, E.: Pathological changes in cytoplasmic organelles Fed. Proc.21, 1130–1142 (1962)
Pearse, A. G. E.: Histochemistry, Theoretical and Applied. London: J. and A. Churchill, Ltd. 1960
Samorajski, T., Fitz, G. R.: Phosphomonoesterase changes associated with spinal cord chromatolysis. Lab. Invest.10, 129–143 (1961)
Söderholm, U.: Histochemical localisation of esterases, phosphatases and tetrazolium reductases in the motor neurons of the spinal cord of the rat and the effect of nerve division. Acta physiol. scand.65, Suppl. 256 (1965)
Spatz, H.: Über die Vorgänge nach experimenteller, Rückenmarksdurchtrennung mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Unterschiede der Reaktionsweise des reifen und unreifen Gewebes nebst Beziehungen zur menschlichen Pathologie (Porenzephalie und Syringomyelie). Nissl-Alzheimers histol. u. histopathol. Arbeiten über die Großhirnrinde. Ergänzungsband, S. 49–364. Jena: Fischer 1921
Thomas, E.: Histopochemie und Histopathochemie des peripheren Nervensystems bei Verletzungen und Tumoren. Stuttgart-Jena: Fischer 1969
Vulpian, A.: Influence de l'abolition des fonctions des nerfs sur la région de la moelle épinière qui leur donne origine. Examen de la moelle épinière dans des cas d'amputation d'ancienne date. Arch. Physiol.1, 443–448 (1868)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Maślińska, D., Thomas, E. Enzyme-histochemical studies of “retrograde” reaction in motor neurones of immature rats. Acta Neuropathol 33, 317–323 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00686163
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00686163