Wallerian Degeneration

Degeneration of distal aspects of a nerve axon following injury to the cell body or proximal portion of the axon. The process is characterized by fragmentation of the axon and its MYELIN SHEATH.

Also Known As:

Networked: 548 relevant articles (14 outcomes, 57 trials/studies)

Relationship Network

Disease Context: Research Results

Related Diseases

1.	Hyperalgesia
2.	Muscular Atrophy (Muscle Atrophy)
3.	Demyelinating Diseases (Demyelinating Disease)
4.	Nerve Degeneration
5.	Neuralgia (Stump Neuralgia)

Experts

1.	Coleman, Michael P: 12 articles (04/2015 - 02/2002)
2.	Gillingwater, Thomas H: 8 articles (04/2012 - 09/2003)
3.	Ribchester, Richard R: 8 articles (06/2011 - 09/2003)
4.	Myers, Robert R: 7 articles (12/2011 - 03/2002)
5.	Jung, Junyang: 6 articles (04/2014 - 12/2009)
6.	Wishart, Thomas M: 6 articles (04/2012 - 02/2006)
7.	Stoll, Guido: 6 articles (03/2008 - 01/2002)
8.	Brück, W: 6 articles (10/2001 - 08/2000)
9.	Sasaki, Yo: 5 articles (04/2015 - 08/2004)
10.	Milbrandt, Jeffrey: 5 articles (04/2015 - 08/2004)

Drugs and Biologics

Drugs and Important Biological Agents (IBA) related to Wallerian Degeneration:

1.	Messenger RNA (mRNA)IBA 02/01/1992 - "Finally, the steady-state levels of P0 mRNA are much more dramatically reduced than those of PLP mRNA during Wallerian degeneration of the peripheral nerve. " 12/01/2000 - "Analysis of the CRII-7/rMDC15 transcript levels following peripheral nerve lesions demonstrated regulated mRNA expression during Wallerian degeneration and nerve regeneration. " 10/15/1997 - "The transient induction of NF-M mRNA is also apparent in dedifferentiating Schwann cells during Wallerian degeneration. " 12/01/1995 - "In peripheral nerve, Cx32 is found in the paranodal myelin loops and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures of myelinating Schwann cells, and the levels of Cx32 protein and mRNA change in parallel with those of other myelin-related genes during development, Wallerian degeneration, and axonal regeneration. " 04/01/1992 - "The increase of FcRIII mRNA that occurred in Wallerian degeneration was most likely due to infiltration of macrophages, as FcRIII mRNA-positive macrophages were demonstrated in the degenerating nerves by in situ hybridization. "
2.	Sodium Channels (Sodium Channel)IBA 02/01/1986 - "In conclusion, these studies suggest that: Schwann cell DNA replication and/or mitosis regulates other events during Wallerian degeneration, including myelin degeneration, catabolism of P0 and the clearance of sodium channels from nodal axolemma; the decline in P0 synthesis and/or shift to synthesis of less extensively processed P0 is independent of the induction of Schwann cell S phase; and Schwann cells enveloping myelinated axons enter S phase within a 24-h period throughout the entire 80-mm length of distal stump." 10/01/1993 - "3. Transection of the sciatic nerves and allowing Wallerian degeneration to occur for 5-11 days in vivo prior to recording resulted in the appearance of sodium channel activities in approximately 30% of the patches (n = 33) obtained from the cell body of the myelinating cells. " 10/01/1986 - "If nodal E-face particles represent sodium channels, as has been proposed, the sequence of changes in Wallerian degeneration would be compatible with a gradual redistribution of nodal sodium channels into the demyelinated paranode." 10/01/1982 - "This study provides ultrastructural and cytochemical evidence for nerve fiber reorganization, axolemmal plasticity and sodium channel production and redistribution following Wallerian degeneration and demyelination in axonotmesis. "
3.	Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex (Proteasome)IBA 01/01/2013 - "Proteasome inhibition also delays Wallerian degeneration, although much less robustly, with stabilization of NMNAT2 likely to play a key role in this mechanism. " 07/17/2003 - "In addition, we found that the fragmentation of microtubules is the earliest detectable change in axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration, which among other degenerative events, can be delayed by proteasome inhibitors. " 01/01/2013 - "The pan-MEK inhibitor U0126 has previously been shown to reverse the axon-protective effects of proteasome inhibition, suggesting that MEK-ERK signaling plays a role in delayed Wallerian degeneration, in addition to its established role in promoting neuronal survival. " 07/17/2003 - "In this study, we used the degeneration of transected axons, termed "Wallerian degeneration," as a model to examine the possible involvement of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). " 12/25/2013 - "Taken together, our findings suggest that calcium increase and subsequent proteasome activation are an essential initiator of neurofilament degradation in Wallerian degeneration. "
4.	Substance PIBA 05/01/1998 - "Histological examination of the resected nerves showed Wallerian degeneration and immunohistochemical tests indicated that substance P, a polypeptide which may contribute to nociceptive transmission, was present in the tissue around the degenerated nerves." 06/01/2001 - "Changes in substance P content at the hypothalamic-pituitary axis during the Wallerian degeneration of peripheral sympathetic neurons after superior cervical ganglionectomy in male rats: effect of hyperprolactinemia." 06/01/2001 - "The effects of Wallerian degeneration of the peripheral sympathetic neurons projecting to the hypothalamus on the mechanism of interaction between prolactin and substance P (SP) were examined. " 04/01/2008 - "Immuno-histochemical studies showed a marked decrease of substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and somatostatin staining in substance gelatinosa with Wallerian degeneration after compression of nerve root. "
5.	Calcitonin Gene-Related PeptideIBA 04/01/2008 - "Immuno-histochemical studies showed a marked decrease of substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and somatostatin staining in substance gelatinosa with Wallerian degeneration after compression of nerve root. "
6.	Somatostatin (Somatotropin Release-Inhibiting Factor)IBA 04/01/2008 - "Immuno-histochemical studies showed a marked decrease of substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and somatostatin staining in substance gelatinosa with Wallerian degeneration after compression of nerve root. "
7.	Nerve Growth Factors (Neurotrophins)IBA 04/01/2011 - "In the 6th week, all the morphometric results of the group 4 were statistically better compared with groups 2 and 3. There was a statistically significant improvement in the sciatic functional index for group 4 compared with groups 2 and 3. Mononuclear cells stimulated nerve regeneration, most probably by speeding up the Wallerian degeneration process as well as stimulating the synthesis of neurotrophic factors." 10/01/2009 - "Thus, the sensory neurons could be preprimed in the regenerative milieu of Wallerian degeneration and neuroinflammation, which might alter the expression of neurotrophic factors and their receptors, facilitating sprouting/regeneration of ascending sensory neurons." 10/01/2001 - "The basis by which uninjured nerves could be affected is a reduced supply of neurotrophic factors, an abnormal interaction in the Remak bundles of partially denervated Schwann cells and unmyelinated axons, or the byproducts of Wallerian degeneration." 03/01/1996 - "The cellular responses that take place during Wallerian degeneration, including the elaboration of neurotrophins, are increasingly recognized to set the stage for the success or failure of subsequent regeneration, and manipulations of Wallerian degeneration are being investigated as a potential means of altering the outcome of nerve regeneration." 09/01/2015 - "The aim of this review is to summarize contemporary evidence regarding: (1) the origin and development of SCs in the peripheral and penile nerve system; (2) Wallerian degeneration and SC plastic change following peripheral and penile nerve injury; (3) how SCs promote peripheral and penile nerve regeneration by secreting neurotrophic factors; (4) and strategies targeting SCs to accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration. "
8.	Vincristine (Oncovin)FDA LinkGeneric 02/01/2001 - "The gene for slow Wallerian degeneration (Wld(s)) is also protective against vincristine neuropathy." 07/01/2000 - "Pathogenesis of axonal degeneration: parallels between Wallerian degeneration and vincristine neuropathy." 07/01/1979 - "Leg paralysis and wallerian degeneration of sciatic nerve fibres have been produced in rats by intraneural injection of 0.5, 1 or 5 microgram of vincristine (VCR) or formyl leurosine (FLR) dissolved in 5 microliter of saline. " 07/01/1979 - "Leg paralysis and wallerian degeneration of sciatic nerve fibres have been produced in rats by intraneural injection of 0.5, 1 or 5 micrograms of vincristine (VCR) or formyl leurosine (FLR) dissolved in 5 microliters of saline. "
9.	RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)IBA 07/01/1973 - "Pattern of RNA synthesis in the sciatic nerve of the hen during Wallerian degeneration." 02/01/1983 - "During the early stage of Wallerian degeneration, a marked decrease of phospholipid, cerebroside and sulfatide content and, in contrast, a marked increase of protein, DNA, RNA, and free fatty acid content, in the distal segment of crushed nerve compared to control, was observed. " 09/01/1987 - "Analysis of temporal changes in synthesis of DNA, RNA, protein, and in activity of ornithine decarboxylase in transected and sham-operated nerves 0-5 days postoperatively indicated that incorporation of [3H]thymidine, a marker of premitotic activity, was the earliest and only specific marker of early Wallerian degeneration. "
10.	Caspase 3 (Caspase-3)IBA 02/15/2000 - "Finally, we cannot detect cleaved substrates of caspase-3 and its close relatives immunocytochemically or caspase activity biochemically in axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration. " 12/05/2012 - "In vitro, we show that genetic deletion of Caspase-3 is fully protective against sensory axon degeneration initiated by trophic factor withdrawal, but not injury-induced Wallerian degeneration, and we define a biochemical cascade from prosurvival Bcl2 family regulators to Caspase-9, then Caspase-3, and then Caspase-6. "

Therapies and Procedures

1.	Axotomy 10/09/2013 - "Macrophages have been implicated in peripheral nerve regeneration for some time, supposedly through their involvement in Wallerian degeneration, the process by which the distal nerve degenerates after axotomy and is cleared by phagocytosis. " 06/01/2015 - "The time course of Wallerian degeneration at the level of an individual nerve fiber is comparable to that reported in earlier studies over 48 h to two weeks after secondary axotomy. " 06/01/2015 - "Using the stretch-injured optic nerve model in adult guinea pigs, the present study provides novel quantitative data concerning Wallerian degeneration of disconnected axonal fragments following secondary axotomy out to 12 weeks after injury to an optic nerve. " 09/01/2003 - "In this study we confirm that axotomy-induced terminal withdrawal occurs in the absence of all major ultrastructural characteristics of Wallerian degeneration. " 12/01/2014 - "In vivo, microglial phagocytosis of CNS axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration in a dorsal root axotomy model is impaired in adult mice in which TLR4 has been deleted. "
2.	Nerve Crush 06/01/2000 - "The extent to which the long-term recovery of nerve fibers differs according to the cause of Wallerian degeneration is not clear, although outgrowth of axons is better after lesions with continuity of basal lamina of the Schwann cell tubes (nerve crush) compared with lesions with interruption of basal lamina (nerve section). " 09/24/1993 - "The vascular response to nerve crush: relationship to Wallerian degeneration and regeneration." 01/01/1990 - "It was shown that a simple nerve crush (axocompression) did not induce any major change in the number and fluorescence intensity of unmyelinated axons in the distal stump of the sciatic nerve, even though myelinated axons underwent Wallerian degeneration. " 11/01/1979 - "The fine structural changes at incisures following nerve crush provide an understanding of the increased perceptibility of incisures by light microscopy during early Wallerian degeneration." 02/01/1988 - "Both became severely reduced during Wallerian degeneration following nerve crush and ligature. "
3.	Transplants (Transplant) 08/01/1994 - "We examine the results with reference to time-dependent events of Wallerian degeneration and propose that there are beneficial effects of multiple factors on the grafts during the first 4 weeks of predegeneration, causing a slow but significant improvement in their capability to support axonal growth. " 11/01/2013 - "They also reveal that two weeks of Wallerian degeneration modify the environment in the graft from one that provides no modality-specific cues for motor neurons to one that actively promotes PMR." 07/01/2008 - "In common nerve grafts, however, where Wallerian degeneration is a prerequisite, the anti-angiogenic and macrophage-depressing effect is an obstacle for regeneration." 01/01/2002 - "In conclusion, the status of activation of Schwann cells and the stadium of Wallerian degeneration in a nerve graft might be key factors for regeneration, rather than total number of Schwann cells. " 02/01/2001 - "Based on the above findings, the immediate restoration of circulation in the vascularized nerve graft can be accountable for the increased number of surviving Schwann cells, the rapid clearing of axons, and myelin-sheath changes that occur during Wallerian degeneration, thus enabling "morphologically" optimal regeneration."
4.	Intraperitoneal Injections 01/01/2001 - "Wallerian degeneration of the transected nerve could be delayed either by intraperitoneal injections of hydroxamate (Ro 31-9790), a nonspecific MMP inhibitor, or by local application of an MMP-9-specific antibody. " 04/15/2014 - "The SFI values were accelerated, cold and mechanical allodynia were suppressed, the severities of Wallerian degeneration and muscular atrophy were improved, and the increased MDA level was reversed with 10 consecutive days intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 and 0.8 mg/kg of safranal and 100 mg/kg of vitamin E. "
5.	Ganglionectomy 10/01/1978 - "This study was designed to characterize the normal ultrastructure of the above nerves and to identify afferent fibers in them through Wallerian degeneration produced by dorsal root ganglionectomy. " 07/01/2004 - "The ventral rhizotomy and ganglionectomy models may be useful to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain after Wallerian degeneration in motor or sensory or mixed nerve." 01/01/1994 - "From 8 to 24 h after superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx), at the time of wallerian degeneration of thyroid-parathyroid sympathetic nerve terminals, an alpha-adrenergic inhibition, together with a minor beta-adrenergic stimulation, of hypercalcemia-induced CT release, and an alpha-adrenoceptor inhibition of hypocalcemia-induced PTH release were found. " 02/01/1990 - "Increase in adrenocorticotropin release during wallerian degeneration of peripheral sympathetic neurons after superior cervical ganglionectomy of rats." 01/01/1994 - "Inhibition of post-castration rise of gonadotropins during wallerian degeneration after sympathetic superior cervical ganglionectomy."