Axotomy Protocol
Axotomy Protocol - Related Videos
03:24
Two-Photon Laser Axotomy: A Method to Injure Axons in Zebrafish Embryos and Observe Axonal Recovery
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2023
This video describes the method to injure axons in zebrafish embryos using two photon laser axotomy and observing axonal recovery from injury.
09:18
In vivo Laser Axotomy in C. elegans
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Cited by 46 •
2011
A protocol to cut neurons in C. elegans with a MicroPoint pulsed laser is presented. We describe setting up the system, immobilizing worms, and severing labeled neurons. Advantages include a relatively low-cost system and the ability to sever neuronal processes or ablate cells in vivo.
03:37
Performing Crush Axotomy on the Facial Nerve in a Mouse Model
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2025
Source: Olmstead, D. N., et al., Facial Nerve Axotomy in Mice: A Model to Study Motoneuron Response to Injury. J. Vis. Exp. (2015).This video demonstrates the facial nerve crush procedure in a mouse, where blunt dissection through key landmarks exposes the facial nerve trunk at the stylomastoid foramen. Forceps are then used to compress the nerve trunk, inducing axonal damage and disrupting neuronal signal transmission.
10:11
Facial Nerve Axotomy in Mice: A Model to Study Motoneuron Response to Injury
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Cited by 27 •
2015
We present a surgical protocol detailing how to perform a cut or crush axotomy on the facial nerve in the mouse. The facial nerve axotomy can be employed to study the physiological response to nerve injury and test therapeutic techniques.
10:05
Constructing a Low-budget Laser Axotomy System to Study Axon Regeneration in C. elegans
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Cited by 12 •
2011
Laser axotomy followed by time-lapse imaging is a sensitive way to assay the effects of mutations in C. elegans on axon regeneration. A high quality, but inexpensive, laser ablation system can be easily added to most microscopes. Time lapse imaging over 15 hours requires careful immobilization of the worm.
FAQs
Transection interrupts the physical continuity between the axon and its cell body, so axonal transport can no longer support the disconnected distal segment normally. This separation creates distinct responses on either side of the injury: the distal portion undergoes Wallerian degeneration, while the proximal stump remains connected to the cell body and may form a growth cone associated with repair.
Their different connections to the cell body determine their responses. The distal segment is disconnected and undergoes Wallerian degeneration, whereas the proximal stump retains access to the neuronal cell body and may initiate repair by forming a growth cone. Comparing these compartments helps researchers distinguish degeneration from regenerative responses after neuronal injury.
Axotomy permits separate assessment of neuronal survival, axonal degeneration, regeneration, and synaptic remodeling. Survival indicates how neurons withstand injury, degeneration reveals damage in the disconnected axon, regeneration reflects growth from the proximal stump, and synaptic remodeling shows how neuronal connections change. Together, these outcomes provide a broader picture of the injury response.
Researchers can apply the procedure in cultured neurons, tissue preparations, or living models. Cultured neurons support direct examination of cellular responses, tissue preparations preserve relationships within nervous system material, and living models provide a broader context for injury and recovery. The selected preparation depends on which aspects of neuronal survival, degeneration, regeneration, or remodeling are being studied.
A study first establishes the selected neuronal preparation, then performs a controlled axon transection and examines the resulting responses in the proximal and distal regions. Researchers can follow degeneration in the disconnected segment and repair-related changes near the cell body. Subsequent measurements focus on survival, regeneration, or synaptic remodeling according to the study objective.
The protocol provides an experimental model for nervous system injury, allowing researchers to examine molecular pathways associated with neuronal damage, repair, and recovery. It can also support evaluation of treatments intended to promote neuroprotection or functional recovery. In developmental biology, the same approach helps investigate how neurons respond during nervous system development and after injury.