Structural and regenerative changes in deafferented and deefferented ulnar nerves

Abstract

Both brachial plexuses of Wistar rats were deafferented or deefferented by disrupting their dorsal or ventral roots. At the same time, the ulnar nerves were transected and sutured. A sham group and another group in which the upper (C-5) and lower (T-1) spinal nerves were transected on both sides were included as control groups. Clear differences in the ulnar nerve regeneration rate were found between the deafferented and the deefferented animals. Ultrastructural studies disclosed signs of transient axonopathy in the nontransected fibers of the proximal segment of the ulnar nerve. The possible role of bioelectricity in the genesis of these changes is discussed. © 1988.