Wallerian degeneration occurs after axonal injury in both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). It occurs in the section of the axon distal to the site of injury and usually begins within 24–36 hours of a lesion.

How does axonal degeneration happen?

Axonal degeneration refers to loss of integrity of axonal processes and may occur following injury that directly affects axons, or secondary to changes targeting myelin sheaths.

What is axonal degeneration?

Axonal degeneration is an evolutionary conserved process that can be activated by different stimuli including mechanical damage, axonal transport defects or by drugs used for chemotherapy.