Early Responses to Neural Injury

This group discussion deals with responses to injury at the neuronal level, with particular emphasis on injury induced by axotomy. It considers responses both in the axotomized neurons themselves and in surrounding or connected uninjured neurons in animals as diverse as leeches and man. The responses observed are considered in the light of what is now known about cellular mechanisms involved in the normal development and maintenance of neurons, in an attempt to distinguish which events are a consequence of disruption of a normal cellular process and which events are specifically concerned with attempts at regeneration. The aim is to understand more about those cellular mechanisms underlying regeneration and how they may be enhanced or promoted.