Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the capacity to develop into a variety of different cell types (the number of different cell types that can be developed depends on the type of stem cell). Stem cells can be used in the process of regulation, perhaps even in adulthood. For example, if injury is sustained to a brain region, researchers are investigating the ability of stem cells to differentiate into neurons that can take on some of the functions of the injured neurons. 

Stem Cells

Regulation is an adaptive response by which other cells compensate for cells that have been injured during development of the nervous system.

Brandeis University

On the intercellular level, there are two main mechanisms of neurodegeneration as a result of injury: 

-In retrograde degeneration, a neuron is injured close to the cell body, which initiates cell death of the neuron. If the entire injured neuron atrophies or dies, the neurons that were previously connected to the injured neuron may experience degeneration as well in a process known as transneuronal degeneration. 

-In anterograde degeneration, a neuron is injured farther from the cell body along its axon. The part of the axon that is severed from the neuron is degraded, but the axon may regrow, and new axonal sprouts can connect with postsynaptic cells by the help of CAMs and other factors. 

Mechanisms of Neural Regeneration

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

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