Artikel
Ambystoma mexicanum or the Axolotl: A novel experimental nerve regeneration model
Ambystoma mexicanum oder der Axolotl: ein neuartiges Nervenregenerationsmodell
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Autoren
Veröffentlicht: | 23. April 2004 |
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Gliederung
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Objective
Ambystoma mexicanum or the axolotl belongs to the Urodele group of amphibians. This animal is widely known for its capabilities of regenerating not only differentiated specific tissues, such as brain and spinal cord, but also tissue complexes, such as whole extremities. The embryonic and larval stages of axolotls are known experimental models in developmental biology. The adult axolotl model from the perspective of peripheral nerve surgery is yet to be described.To describe a new animal model for conducting studies on peripheral nerve regeneration. To describe the anatomical and physiological features of Ambystoma mexicanum (the Axolotl- an Urodele amphibian). To describe the technical features of experimentation with this species.
Methods
Six axolotls were anesthetized by immersing the animals in a 0.3% solution of Tricaine-methane-sulfonate. The topographical anatomy of the nerves, vessels and muscles were studied by microsurgical dissection of 24 extremities. Histological staining (H+E, Toluidine, Anti-Neurotubulin, GFAP) of various tissue components of the extremities and light microscopic studies were conducted. Euthanasia was through immersion in a higly concentrated anesthetic solution and decapitation.
Results
The topographical anatomy of the extremities with special attention to nerves and the histological features are described. Microscopic studies allow the identification of neural structures as in mammalian species.
Conclusions
We described a new animal model for peripheral nerve regeneration studies.
Note
Our experimentation is still in progress. The results of nerve regeneration studies in the axolotl will be available at the time of presentation.