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Related Experiment Videos

Transient axonal side branches in the developing mammalian optic nerve

S A Dunlop1

  • 1Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia. sarah@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

Cell and Tissue Research
|February 7, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Developing optic nerves feature transient side branches on some axons, potentially aiding growth cone navigation. Most of these side branches are lost by adulthood, with specialized axons undergoing cell death.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Comparative Anatomy

Background:

  • Optic nerve development involves complex axonal pathfinding.
  • The presence and function of axonal side branches during development are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution and morphology of optic nerve axon side branches in developing mammals.
  • To explore the potential role of these side branches in axonal navigation.

Main Methods:

  • Horseradish peroxidase labeling of optic axons in developing quokka wallaby, cat, and rat.
  • Microscopic examination and ultrastructural reconstruction of axonal morphology.
  • Comparative analysis across species at peak axon numbers.

Main Results:

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  • Most optic axons (75%) lack side branches; others have them at points of undulation or direction change.
  • Side branches are short, simple, and occur at specific intervals (28-43 µm).
  • A minority of axons with aberrant trajectories (diagonal, retrograde) exhibit higher densities of side branches.

Conclusions:

  • Axonal side branches appear transient and may play a role in guiding growth cone navigation.
  • The loss of most side branches by adulthood suggests a refinement process.
  • Retrogradely growing axons are eliminated via naturally occurring cell death in adults.