Axonal regeneration of proctolinergic neurons in the central nervous system of the locust.

We provide evidence for axonal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) of the locust (Locusta migratoria). We followed the morphology of a small set of proctolin-immunoreactive neurons in the ventral nerve cord before and after crushing one cervical connective in the third instar. The proximal segments started sprouting within 3 days post lesion and grew into the suboesophageal ganglion within 9 days, covering a distance of approximately 2 mm. Within the suboesophageal ganglion, the regenerated neurites formed arborisations in the appropriate region which closely resemble the original shape. These findings will allow us to compare regeneration to the well-described embryonic development of axonal connectivity in this animal.