Axotomy Laser Surgery
Axotomy Laser Surgery - Related Videos
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.
03:24
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.
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.
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.
09:59
An “All-laser” Endothelial Transplant
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Cited by 5 •
2015
An all laser procedure is proposed in the endothelial transplant. The surgical technique is based on the use of a femtosecond laser to prepare the donor tissue. Laser welding technique is then used to secure the donor endothelium in the correct position.
FAQs
Precision comes from concentrating laser energy on a selected axon rather than applying a broad injury to the surrounding tissue. Microscopy allows the operator to identify the individual target, while the focused beam provides spatial and temporal control over the lesion. This selective damage helps researchers attribute later cellular responses to the axonal injury itself.
The laser lesion separates the axon into proximal and distal segments, creating distinct regions for examining injury responses. Researchers can evaluate degeneration in the damaged pathway, growth cone formation, and subsequent regenerative behavior. Keeping the lesion localized makes it possible to study how neuronal structures respond on either side of the severed connection.
Laser axotomy supports analysis of several linked responses to nerve injury, including axonal degeneration, growth cone formation, regeneration, and broader neuronal reactions. These outcomes provide different views of repair: degeneration reflects damage-associated changes, growth cones indicate a structure involved in renewed extension, and regeneration shows whether axonal growth follows the lesion.
The controlled lesion provides a consistent context for testing factors that may alter nervous system repair. Researchers can compare genetic influences, molecular regulators, or environmental conditions by examining how each affects degeneration, growth cone formation, regeneration, or neuronal responses. This approach connects a defined injury event with differences in biological recovery.
A typical experiment uses microscopy to locate an individual neuronal axon, positions the focused laser on the selected site, and delivers localized energy to create the lesion. The resulting proximal and distal segments can then be examined for degeneration, growth cone formation, regeneration, and other neuronal responses. The sequence creates a controlled starting point for repair studies.
Microscopy and a focused laser are the central technical components because they provide target selection and localized axon severing. The biological preparation may consist of a model organism or cultured neurons, depending on the research question. These settings allow investigators to observe injury and repair while testing defined genetic, molecular, or environmental factors.
Researchers use laser axotomy when they need to examine nerve injury and repair under controlled conditions. It is particularly useful in model organisms and cultured neurons, where investigators can test how defined genetic, molecular, or environmental factors affect recovery. The method supports comparisons of neuronal responses after a precisely positioned lesion rather than an uncontrolled injury.