Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

NLM Logo

Retrograde Degeneration MeSH Descriptor Data 2025


MeSH Heading
Retrograde Degeneration
Tree Number(s)
C23.550.737.500
Unique ID
D012183
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D012183
Scope Note
Pathologic changes that occur in the axon and cell body of a neuron proximal to an axonal lesion. The process is characterized by central chromatolysis which features flattening and displacement of the nucleus, loss of Nissl bodies, and cellular edema. Central chromatolysis primarily occurs in lower motor neurons.
Entry Term(s)
Axon Reaction
Axonal Reaction
Nissl Degeneration
Retrograde Degeneration, Transneuronal
Trans-Synaptic Degeneration
Public MeSH Note
91; was see under NERVE DEGENERATION 1975-90; NISSL DEGENERATION was see NERVE DEGENERATION 1997, was heading 1975-96 (see under NERVE DEGENERATION 1975-90)
Online Note
use NERVE DEGENERATION to search NISSL DEGENERATION 1975-97 & RETROGRADE DEGENERATION 1967-74
History Note
91(75); was see under NERVE DEGENERATION 1975-90; NISSL DEGENERATION was see NERVE DEGENERATION 1997, was heading 1975-96 (see under NERVE DEGENERATION 1975-90)
Date Established
1991/01/01
Date of Entry
1999/01/01
Revision Date
1999/11/26
Retrograde Degeneration Preferred
Retrograde Degeneration, Transneuronal Narrower
page delivered in 0.145s