THE ROLE OF MESENCHYMAL CELLS IN REGENERATION IN THE SPINAL CORD OF THE ADULT CAT.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that axons in the central nervous system can regenerate across a gap when the completely transected, adult, cat, spinal cord is ensheathed within a porous plastic, filter membrane (Millipore). Following tran-section, the gap is filled with a plasma clot and varying amounts of organized hematomata. The 1st cells to migrate into the gap are mesenchymal cells from the leptomeninges. These follow the interface provided by the inner surface of the Millipore tube and form a continuous sheath by the 2nd week. Further outgrowths of "mesenchymal" cells from the stumps invade the plasma clot in the gap during the 2nd and 3rd weeks. These cells are derived from the hyperplastic endothelial and adventitial cells of the intramedullary blood vessels of the stumps. Cords of these cells follow the configuration of the interfaces provided by the fibrin strands of the plasma clot until the gap is bridged and organized by these cells. Axons follow the pathways established by the cords of "mesenchymal" cells in the gap and may bridge the gap by 30 days. Mononuclear phagocytes in the gap are probably of both histiocytic and microglial origin. Other glial cells do not appear to play a positive role in the early phases of regeneration in the gap. Many morphologic similarities exist between regeneration across a Millipore protected gap in the spinal cord and one in a peripheral nerve.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: