Application of a multiwire proportional chamber to the detection of axoplasmic transport.
A new technique for the detection of the axoplasmic transport of beta-radioactively labelled materials is described wherein a multiwire proportional chamber is used to measure the distribution of activity along peripheral nerve fibers which are maintained in vitro. The operating principles of the chamber are described and basic construction parameters given. Potential radiolabels are discussed. Two types of studies were performed at room temperature in vitro using sciatic nerves of the amphibian Xenopus laevis: static and dynamic. In the static study the nerve ganglion was incubated for a suitable period of time in either L-(U-14C) leucine or L-(35S) methionine after which the ganglion was removed and the activity in the remaining nerve assayed with the chamber. In the dynamic study the nerve activity was assayed by the chamber while incubation proceeded so that a dynamic picture of transport could be observed. Using the second approach, transport rates were observed which are in agreement with others which have been reported in the literature. Some advantages and limitations of the technique are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000295:instrumentation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007930:Leucine / Q000378:metabolism; D008715:Methionine / Q000378:metabolism; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D013462:Sulfur Radioisotopes; D013997:Time Factors; D014316:Tritium; D014981:Xenopus
D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes; D013462:Sulfur Radioisotopes; D014316:Tritium; D008715:Methionine; D007930:Leucine