Effect of denervation on the longitudinal growth of tubular bones

The effect of sciatic nerve lesion on the longitudinal growth of tubular bones of the affected extremity has been studied in adolescent rabbits. For the observation of circulation in the bones, intravenously injected Sr85Cl2 solution was used. A retardation of longitudinal growth of the tibia and of the femur on the operated side was noted. Radioactivity in the bones of the operated extremity was always lower than on the control side. For the retarded longitudinal growth, a circulatory disturbance may have been responsible.