Changes in the dendritic geometry of mouse superior cervical ganglion cells following postganglionic axotomy

The dendritic geometry of mouse superior cervical ganglion cells was studied over periods of up to 3 months after postganglionic axotomy. Intracellular injection of HRP showed that total dendritic length and complexity were reduced by 60-70%, on average, among cells whose postganglionic axons had been crushed 2 weeks before. Both parameters gradually recovered in parallel with ganglion cell reinnervation of the periphery. These results indicate that neuronal interactions with peripheral targets influence the configuration of ganglion cell dendrites throughout life. The implications of this conclusion are discussed.