Dendrite-derived supernumerary axons on adult axotomized motor neurons possess proteins that are essential for the initiation and propagation of action potentials and synaptic vesicle release.

Axotomy can trigger profound alterations in the neuronal polarity of adult neurons in vivo. This can manifest itself in the development of new axon-like processes emanating from the tips of distal dendrites. Previously, these processes have been defined as axonal based on their axonal morphology.

Axonal regeneration and development of de novo axons from distal dendrites of adult feline commissural interneurons after a proximal axotomy.

Following proximal axotomy, several types of neurons sprout de novo axons from distal dendrites. These processes may represent a means of forming new circuits following spinal cord injury. However, it is not know whether mammalian spinal interneurons, axotomized as a result of a spinal cord injury, develop de novo axons.

The temporal sequence of morphological and molecular changes in axotomized feline motoneurons leading to the formation of axons from the ends of dendrites.

At 8-12 weeks post axotomy, unusual distal processes (UDPs) with axon-like structural (uniform diameter, tortuous) and molecular (growth-associated protein [GAP]43, absence of microtubule-associated protein [MAP]2a/b immunoreactivity) features emerge from distal motoneuron dendrites (Rose et al. [2001] Eur J Neurosci 13:1166-1176). In this study, we determine the time course of molecular and morphological changes associated with the formation of axons from dendrites.