Rapid filopodial sprouting induced by electrical stimulation in nerve terminals
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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Rewiring Neuronal Circuits: A New Method for Fast Neurite Extension and Functional Neuronal Connection
Published on: June 13, 2017
1Department of Cell Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan.
Abstract:
Direct electrical stimulation of terminals of neurite-like extensions of cultured chromaffin cells and neuronally differentiated PC12 cells induced rapid sprouting of filopodia in a Ca dependent manner. Repetitive stimulation could produce filopodia with greater ease. Their formation could not be significantly suppressed by treatment with cytoskeletal blocking agents. Filopodial sprouting was localized to the terminal region only. This response may occur at the growth cone in vivo playing a role in neuronal development.
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