Calcium channel subtypes and intracellular calcium stores modulate electric field-stimulated and -oriented nerve growth.
In culture, embryonic spinal neurites from Xenopus laevis show striking growth responses to steady dc electric fields, at a time when endogenous electric fields of similar size impinge on the developing nervous system. A high proportion of cultured neurites reorient, with both turning and branching directed cathodally. Neurite growth rates are increased and growth is differential (faster cathodally than anodally). Voltage-dependent calcium channels and calcium release from intracellular stores are shown to control these events. However, the pharmacological sensitivities of these phenomena differ, indicating different control mechanisms.
Stewart
R
R
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Erskine
L
L
McCaig
C D
CD
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D016501:Neurites / Q000502:physiology*; D014982:Xenopus laevis
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels; D002118:Calcium