Amphibian limb regeneration and its relation to nerves

Abstract

Much circumstantial evidence points to a neurotrophic influence in amphibian limb regeneration. Although fine-structural observations of nerves in regenerating limbs have indicated the possibility that neurosecretory vesicles accumulate distally in these axons, there is no clear-cut demonstration available that these organelles are neurotropic. Evidence is accumulating that the neural influence in newt limb regeneration is transneuronal. There is also evidence that trophic substances other than those found in the nerve itself may be involved in the supporting limb regeneration. The characterization of the neurotrophic substance is considered a central task for students of regeneration in the future. © 1970 by the American Society of Zoologists.