How a nerve fiber repairs its cut end: involvement of phospholipase A2

Following transection of a giant axon, the nerve membrane at the cut end is resealed within 5 to 30 minutes. This membrane resealing process is highly dependent upon temperature and extracellular calcium ions. The membrane resealing is triggered by excess calcium entering the axoplasm at the site of transection but is prevented by the application of phospholipase A2 inhibitors. We propose that calcium activated phospholipase A2 plays a central role in resealing of the ruptured nerve membrane.