Electric-field-induced reconnection of severed axons

We report the first successful axon reconnection in the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) medial giant axon (MGA) by electric fields generated by electrical pulses of 10-100 microseconds duration and 80-200 V amplitude. Reconnection was documented by light and electron microscopy, and by transport of Lucifer yellow dye across the reconnected MGA segments. Direct repair of a severed nerve axon promises the advantages of preserving axon viability and distal connections.