Migratory cell locomotion versus nerve axon elongation: differences based on the effects of lanthanum ion.
The effects of lanthanum ions (La(+++)) on the locomotion and adhesion of g lial cells and elongating nerve axons are reported. La(+++) increases adhesion of both glia and of nerve growth cones to a plastic substratum. La(+++) also markedly reduces glia locomotion, but it does not inhibit nerve elongation. Electron-opaque deposits are seen on the cell surface and within cytoplasmic vesicles of glia and nerves cultured in a La(+++)-containing medium. Possible modes of action for La(+++) are discussed, particularly the possibilities that Ca(++) fluxes or Ca(++) involvement in adhesion are altered by La(+++). The results are consistent with the hypothesis that cell migration and nerve axon elongation differ in mechanism, with respect to both adhesive interactions and the activity of microfilament systems.
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002642:Chick Embryo; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D007811:Lanthanum / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009040:Motion Pictures; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000187:drug effects*; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques
D007811:Lanthanum