title: Use of scanning ion conductance microscopy to guide and redirect neuronal growth cones.
abstract: Scanning ion conductance microscopy has been applied to neuronal growth cones of the leech either to image or to stimulate them. Growth cone advance was recorded in non-contact mode using a 2% ion current decrease criterion for pipette-membrane distance control. We demonstrate effective growth cone remodelling using a 5% criterion (near-scanning). Recurrent line near-scanning aligned growth cone processes along the scan line. The new membrane protrusions, marked by DiI, started a few minutes after scanning onset and progressively grew in thickness. Using scanning patterns suitable for connecting distinct growth cones, new links were consistently developed. Although the underlying mechanism is still a matter for investigation, a mechanical perturbation produced by the moving probe appeared to induce the process formation. Thanks to its deterministic and interactive features, this novel approach to guiding growth cones is a promising way to develop networks of identified neurons as well as link them with artificial structures.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiologiche, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy. marpell@dfb.unipi.it
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pellegrino
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Orsini
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Gregorio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement; D022081:Cell Surface Extensions / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020439:Growth Cones / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D048091:Guided Tissue Regeneration / Q000379:methods; D047709:Hirudo medicinalis / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020527:Microscopy, Scanning Probe / Q000379:methods*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration