[Perspectives for the clinical application of the results of current neuromorphological studies of the optical nerve lesions and atrophies].

The review presents the analysis of advances in fundamental studies of the optic nerve regeneration and degeneration mechanisms. It is concluded that current experimental morphological investigations of mechanisms of pathogenesis and sanogenesis of the optic nerve atrophies are developing in several major directions. These include: 1) development of techniques for restoration of the integrity of the optic nerve stem, including those that use peripheral nerve grafts; 2) development of measures to decrease the retinal ganglionic cell (RGC) response to injury and to stimulate RGC repair processes; 3) search for the ways for axon growth stimulation in lesioned and undamaged RGC; 4) usage of RGC apoptosis inhibitors; 5) grafting of embryonic retina. Results of the experimental studies are evaluated in the context of their possible application in clinical practice.