Degenerative phenomena and reactive modifications of the adult rat inferior olivary neurons following axotomy and disconnection from their targets.

Adult olivocerebellar axons are capable of vigorous regeneration when provided with growth-permissive environmental conditions. To elucidate the contribution of intrinsic properties to the regenerative capabilities of inferior olivary neurons, we have examined the cellular modifications occurring in these neurons following axotomy and target deprivation in the absence of exogenous growth-promoting influences. Axotomized inferior olivary neurons undergo perikaryal shrinkage, dendritic atrophy and a loss of anti-calbindin immunoreactivity.