Peripheral nerve injury per se was associated with long-lasting AQP4 up-regulation in the lumbar region of the spinal cord.
Up-regulation of AQP4 was accompanied by a significant increase in the length and volume of astrocytic processes.
The most prominent morphometric changes were present in the distal processes of the astrocytes.
Extravasation of systemically administered tracers was not seen in the spinal cords after peripheral nerve injury.