Selective reinnervation of limb muscles by regenerating frog motor axons.

The selectivity of reinnervation of limb muscles by the regenerating axons of adult, frog spinal cord motoneurons was determined. Reinnervation patterns were compared following axotomy when the ventral root was crushed or cut. Appropriate peripheral connections were reformed only after a nerve crush. The results suggest that selective reinnervation occurs if alignment of the nerve sheath is maintained.