[Neurobiologic aspects of nerve regeneration (author's transl)]

This review is focusing on the cell biology of regeneration in neurons of the peripheral nervous system, mainly the motoneuron. The retrograde or axonal reaction in these cells is characterized by an increase in the RNA and protein metabolism and is associated with morphological and cytochemical changes. The neuronal events are accompanied by changes in the microenvironment of the complete motor nucleus. Presynaptic terminal, glial cells and the capillaries participate in this process. Axonal sprouting occurs in the proximal stump of regenerating nerve. This event has been studied by scanning electron microscopy as well as with histochemical methods. Wallerian degeneration in the distal stump is viewed on as an important prerequisite for regeneration. Some aspects of current research in the field are briefly discussed, for instance: signal for chromatolysis, search for regeneration factors, role of axonal transport and intercellular communication.