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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Facial Nerve Axotomy in Mice: A Model to Study Motoneuron Response to Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
Mechanisms and consequences of microglial responses to peripheral axotomy
1Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden. Hakan.Aldskogius@neuro.uu.se
Abstract:
Microglia respond rapidly to injury of peripheral nerve axons (axotomy). This response is integrated into the responses of the injured neurons, i.e. processes for neuron survival, axon regeneration and restoration of target contact. The microglial response is also integrated in changes in presynaptic terminals on axotomized motor or autonomic neurons and in changes in the central terminals of peripherally axotomized sensory neurons. Microglia also has an established role in interacting with astrocytes to shape their response to peripheral axotomy. Axotomy models in mice have demonstrated a role for microglia in regulating the entry of lymphocytes into motor nuclei or sensory areas following peripheral axotomy. Whether this is a universal component of peripheral nerve injury remains to be determined. Under certain circumstances, microglia activated by axotomy are major contributors to CNS pathology, e.g. in models of neuropathic pain. However, the general roles played by microglia after peripheral nerve injury are still incompletely understood. Early proposals that the microglial reaction to peripheral nerve injury is preparatory for the eventuality of neuron degeneration may still have relevance.
Insights
Microglia (immune cells in the central nervous system) rapidly respond to peripheral nerve injury, aiding neuron survival and axon regeneration. Their precise roles in nerve repair and potential pathology are still being explored.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system.
- Peripheral nerve injury, or axotomy, triggers rapid microglial responses.
- These responses are intertwined with neuronal survival, axon regeneration, and target reinnervation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of microglia following peripheral nerve axotomy.
- To understand how microglial activation influences neuronal repair and central nervous system (CNS) pathology.
- To investigate the integration of microglial responses with other cellular events post-axotomy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized axotomy models in mice to study microglial behavior.
- Examined microglial interactions with injured neurons, presynaptic terminals, and astrocytes.
- Assessed the influence of microglia on lymphocyte entry into CNS areas affected by peripheral nerve injury.
Main Results:
- Microglia actively participate in neuronal survival and axon regeneration processes after peripheral nerve injury.
- Microglial responses are integrated with changes in both central and peripheral neuronal terminals.
- Microglia modulate astrocyte activation and influence lymphocyte infiltration into the CNS.
- Activated microglia can contribute to CNS pathology, such as neuropathic pain, under specific conditions.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a critical, integrated role in the response to peripheral nerve axotomy, influencing both repair and potential damage.
- Further research is needed to fully comprehend the general roles of microglia in peripheral nerve injury and repair.
- Early hypotheses regarding microglia preparing for neuron degeneration may still hold relevance.
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