Ultra structural evidence of axonal regeneration following intracranial transection of optic nerve.

Objective: The present work was aimed at studying the ultra structural changes of the proximal (retinal) stump of the intracranially transected optic nerve of the rat for any possible regenerative ability.

Methods: Specimens were collected one (1 wpo) and four weeks(4 wpo) after the transection and the cross sections of the stumps were studied by electron microscopy by dividing them into three zones, (1) the central zone, (2) the intermediate zone, and (3) the peripheral zone.

Results: The present results showed evident morphological changes in these zones both in the 1 wpo and 4 wpo groups.