A key difference between the PNS and CNS is the capacity for peripheral nerves to regenerate. Regeneration in the PNS is more successful due to the presence of Schwann cells (SCs), which provide nutrients, guide and myelinate the peripheral axons and synthesize growth factors. Moreover, the bands of Büngner in the PNS, which are clusters of oriented SCs, remain after the injury facilitating its regeneration.
The CNS is a greater challenge for new therapies, because the CNS axons do not regenerate appreciably in their native environment. Neural tissue
engineering: strategies for repair and regeneration
Several glycoproteins in the native extracellular environment (myelin) of the CNS are inhibitory for regeneration and become exposed after the injury.
The predominant glial cells in the CNS are the oligodendrocytes, which provide axon support and myelinate axons, and the astrocytes, which principal function is to provide nutrients to the neurons.
Oligodendrocytes express inhibitory proteins for axon growth, such as the myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) and tenascin R.