Methods for modulating the axonal outgrowth of central nervous system neurons are provided by means of internalized purine administration such as by intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and intrapleural administration. The methods are noted for stimulating the axonal outgrowth of central nervous system neurons following an injury (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral aneurism, spinal cord injury and the like).
