Effect of peripheral axotomy on the fine structure and histochemistry of the Rolando substance: Degenerative atrophy of central processes of pseudounipolar cells

Summary Disappearence of fluorid-resistant acid phosphatase activity from the ipsilateral Rolando substance after transection of the peripheral nerve, is shown to be due to the cessation of enzyme supply from dorsal root ganglion cells to their central terminals. This is accompanied by (or ensues in consequence of) a fine structural derangement of these terminals (degenerative atrophy). Fine structural alterations of axon terminals undergoing degenerative atrophy, though similar to some extent to those seen during early phases of a Wallerian degeneration, are markedly different. Also myelinated nerve fibers, both in the dorsal horn and in dorsal columns, are affected by degenerative atrophy. This important, new trophical feature of sensory ganglion cells suggests a delicate metabolic balance between peripheral and central axonal branches of bipolar (pseudounipolar) cells. Degenerative atrophy raises serious implications in evaluating hodological experiments based upon Wallerian degeneration and offers new perspectives for theoretical and clinical neurology.