Post-TX changes in NF180-labeled neurons.

In animals 11–12 cm long, the majority of identified RNs express NF180. The intensity of NF staining and the shapes of neurons did not change dramatically compared to control brain during the first 2 weeks post-TX (A-C). Arrowhead in B points to a Mth axon stump, showing extreme retraction after injury. By 5 weeks post-TX, perikaryal swelling and dendritic shortening and hypertrophy, were seen primarily in bad-regenerating neurons (D-E). This lasted at least 17 weeks. At 6 months post-TX (F), most of the identified neurons that had shown dramatic swelling previously were no longer seen.