Collagen synthesis in axotomized peripheral nerve: evidence against Schwann cell involvement.

To explore the role of Schwann cells in nerve collagen formation, fascicular collagen was measured in axotomized rat sciatic nerve after regeneration or permanent axotomy. The same increase in fascicular collagen was seen in both paradigms. Thus there is no evidence that Schwann cells unassociated with axons make an important contribution to nerve collagen synthesis after transection.