Reactivation of Denervated Schwann Cells by Embryonic Spinal Cord Neurons to Promote Axon Regeneration and Remyelination

Figure 1

Schematic diagram of the stages of the surgery procedures. (a) In the first-stage surgery, the right CP was transected, and the proximal stump was ligated. Embryonic (E14) ventral spinal cord cells or an equivalent volume of cell culture medium was injected into the distal stump of the CP. (b) At different times (1, 3, or 6 months) after transplantation, IHC and PCR were performed using the nerve segments marked in the figure. (c) Six months after transplantation, the transplanted site was excised. (e) Two weeks later, the marked sites were processed for IHC and PCR. (d) Six months after transplantation, the transplanted site was excised, the marked segment was cut from the distal stump of the transplanted site, and then, the TIB was transected. The distal and proximal stumps of the TIB were bridged by this segment. (f) Three months after bridging surgery, electrophysiological examination was performed, and the GM was dissected for further IHC. (g) Immediately after electrophysiology, FG retrograde axonal tracing and EM analyses were performed. TIB: tibial nerve; GM: gastrocnemius muscle; IHC: immunohistochemical staining; EM: electron microscope; CP: common peroneal nerve; FG: fluorogold; EM: electron microscope.