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Developing axons continue to grow at their tip after synapsing with their appropriate target.
E McGlade-McCulloh1, K J Muller
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33101.
Neuron
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Synapse formation with target cells does not inhibit axon growth at the tip. In leech embryos, S cell axons continued growing after making synaptic connections, challenging previous assumptions about axon development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Axon growth is thought to be inhibited by synaptic contacts.
- Studying this in vivo is challenging due to multiple neuronal targets.
- The S interneuron in leeches offers a model with a single synaptic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct influence of synapse formation on axon growth.
- To test whether synaptic contact inhibits axon tip growth in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the S interneuron in leech embryos for in vivo study.
- Observed axon growth following synapse formation with a single target.
Main Results:
- Contrary to expectations, S cell axons continued to grow for several days post-synapse.
- Axon tip growth was observed, nearly doubling the axon's length.
- Synaptic contact did not halt further axon elongation.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic contact with a target does not inherently inhibit axon tip growth.
- Axon growth can continue after establishing synaptic connections.
- This finding challenges the established understanding of axon growth regulation.