Article Abstract:
The growth and orientation of spinal neurites in Xenopus laevis embryos in a DC electric field is controlled by different calcium (Ca) channels and the release of Ca2+. Orientation of neurites is suppressed in the presence of Ca channel and Ca2+ release inhibitors but the branching of neurites towards the cathode is unaffected. The increased rate of growth of the neurites in the DC field depends on the P-type voltage dependent calcium channel and the release of Ca from inositol trisphosphate while the greater growth towards the cathode depends on calcium-induced calcium release.
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Article Abstract:
The orientation of neurons during development is determined by the electric fields associated with neurotransmitters that are secreted by the neurons. Different neurotransmitter receptors interact to control the direction of neuronal growth. The orientation of neurons towards the cathode in cultured neurons kept in a field is suppressed by low concentrations of d-tubocurarine, an antagonist of the acetylcholine (AChR) receptor while high concentrations have no effect on the neurons. Atropine, an AChR blocker, increases the orientational effect of the electric field.
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Article Abstract:
Researchers examined the influence of the adenyl cyclase activator forskolin, and of a small applied electric field, on the differentiation, morphology and orientation of mechanisms from single Xenopus myoblasts. Forskolin treatment and higher cyclic AMP levels in myoblasts was assumed to activate the expression of an integral element of galvanotropism, because the nerve-like orientation behavior was inhibited by a protein synthesis inhibitor.
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