Proximal segment retraction increases the probability of nerve cell survival after dendrite transection

Dendrites were transected 100 microns from nerve cell somata. The probability of cell survival increased as a function of the extent of proximal segment retraction. The retraction effect is probably the result of increased resistance to calcium and sodium currents at the lesion. It is speculated that limitation of nerve fiber die-back and neural tissue damage after injury may depend upon the ability of severed neurites to retract.