LXXXV The Problem of Regenerating Nerves as Studied in Tissue Culture

Abstract

Conventional histologic techniques for preparing and studying fixed stained cells have revealed much of the process of Wallerian degeneration of a sectioned peripheral nerve, with its subsequent regeneration and repair. Newer methods for studying living nerve cells have clearly shown the transport of nutrients from the growth cone to the cell body, evidently so important for the nutrition of the neuron and accounting for the chromatolysis of the cell body that follows nerve section. The authors followed in the axon of the living neuron the process of myelin deposition observed beginning degeneration of a neuron, and were able to bring the sick ganglion cell back to health by adding a fresh nutrient solution high in protein. More embryonic extract in the nutrient solution causes an overgrowth of fibroblasts while a weaker embryonic extract promotes growth and maturation of neurons and axons.