Heterokaryon formation as a method for neuron regeneration in postischemic injury to cerebral cortex in rats.

Rat prefrontal cortex was examined by light and electron microscopy after stroke induced by photothrombosis. An appreciable number of binuclear neurons with morphologically similar and different nuclei was detected in the perifocal zone and adjacent intact tissue. The satellite oligodendrocyte nucleus was frequently the second nucleus in binuclear neuron. Control specimens also had binuclear neurons, but their number was much lower. It is hypothesized that neuron fusion normally and after injury is a manifestation of physiological and reparative regeneration of these cells.