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Electrical activity modulates growth cone guidance by diffusible factors
G Ming1, J Henley, M Tessier-Lavigne
1Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Neuron
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Electrical stimulation alters nerve cell turning responses to guidance cues. This finding suggests electrical stimulation may promote nerve regeneration after injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cellular Electrophysiology
Background:
- Axon guidance is crucial for neural circuit formation during development.
- Growth cone turning responses are mediated by attractive and repulsive cues.
- Understanding factors influencing axon pathfinding is key for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on growth cone turning responses.
- To determine the ionic and molecular mechanisms underlying this effect.
- To explore the potential of electrical stimulation for nerve regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Cultured Xenopus spinal neurons were subjected to brief electrical stimulation.
- Growth cone turning responses to Netrin-1, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and myelin membrane fragments were analyzed.
- Intracellular and extracellular calcium levels, as well as cAMP levels, were monitored.
Main Results:
- Electrical stimulation enhanced Netrin-1-induced attraction.
- Repulsion by MAG and myelin fragments was converted to attraction after stimulation.
- The observed effects required extracellular calcium and involved increased cytoplasmic calcium and cAMP.
Conclusions:
- Electrical activity dynamically modulates growth cone responses to guidance cues.
- Electrical stimulation can convert repulsive cues into attractive ones.
- Intermittent electrical stimulation shows promise for promoting nerve regeneration post-injury.