The role of cell fusion in physiological and reparative regeneration of the cerebral cortex.

The prefrontal (cognitive) cerebral cortex of rats was studied by morphological and physiological methods 56 days after stroke induced by photothrombosis. The cognitive capacity impaired after the intervention was completely restored by this time. The count of fused cells (dikaryons) increased significantly in experimental and sham-operated (control) animals in comparison with the early period (7 days) after surgery. Normalization of the dikaryon and mononuclear cell structure was observed after 56 days. Presumably, cell fusion promotes their morphological restoration and regeneration of the lost functional capacity. Fusion is regarded as a manifestation of physiological and reparative regeneration of the cortex.