[Alterations in axonal transport. Role in peripheral neuropathies (author's transl)]

In peripheral nerves, the use of radioisotopes or enzyme markers makes it possible to study the traffic of molecules and cell organelles, which flow along the axons in both directions. Such axonal transports ensure the renewal of most macromolecular components in the axons and hence contribute to maintain healthy peripheral nerve fibers. A lasting alteration of the mechanisms, which sustain transport or distribution of axonal constituents, could therefore initiate or reinforce pathological processes responsible for various human axonopathies. Investigation of axonal transport in genetic or toxic neuropathies in animals drows attention to the key-role played by neuronal dynamics in pathogenesis of nerve lesions.