Electric-field-induced reconnection of severed axons.
We report the first successful axon reconnection in the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) medial giant axon (MGA) by electric fields generated by electrical pulses of 10-100 microseconds duration and 80-200 V amplitude. Reconnection was documented by light and electron microscopy, and by transport of Lucifer yellow dye across the reconnected MGA segments. Direct repair of a severed nerve axon promises the advantages of preserving axon viability and distal connections.
Todorov
A T
AT
Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, NY 13244.
Yogev
D
D
Qi
P
P
Fendler
J H
JH
Rodziewicz
G S
GS
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007546:Isoquinolines; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000502:physiology*; D014743:Videotape Recording
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007546:Isoquinolines; C017475:lucifer yellow