Evidence for axonal 'decision regions' in the axolotl peripheral nervous system

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was employed to analyse the spatial organization of axons within nerves of the axolotl peripheral nervous system. HRP applications to the lateral motor column, spinal nerves and muscle nerve branches were examined after orthograde or retrograde transport. Axons change relative positions at particular limb regions, notably at the limb plexi, but also at branch points at other limb levels. Such areas of axon reorganization (termed 'decision regions' in line with Tosney & Landmesser (1985) J. Neurosci. 5, 2345) are interspersed by lengths of nerve in which axons run parallel to one another. A decision region is also described which involves only axons destined for axial musculature. The detailed anatomy of axon groups is discussed in terms of the likely mechanisms responsible for its formation during development. We conclude that, despite considerable variation in nerve pattern not seen in higher vertebrates, neuromuscular specificity in the axolotl limb is established largely by local pathway cues guiding axons to their appropriate targets.