Characterization of Neurotrophic & Neurotropic Interactions Between Neurons & their Muscle & Nerve Targets
Abstract
The broad aim of the work carried out under the support of this grant was examine the factors involved in promoting and directing axon regeneration. How do injured nerves find and recognize their targets and reestablish the correct types of synaptic contacts with them? Cultures have been established of adult sensory and motor neurons, as well as intact muscle fibers. These cells survive for weeks in vitro and the neurons extend processes. In electrophysiological experiments we have characterized several membrane properties of the neurons. The peripheral nerve tube, as well as isolated intact muscle fibers, have been shown to release trophic factors that promote and modify process outgrowth from the sensory neurons, and one of the trophic factors is being characterized. An extracellular matrix molecule that independently also promote process outgrowth has been isolated and characterized. A novel role of macrophages, as directors of process growth, has been shown. Preliminary experiments demonstrate that factors released from peripheral nerve can direct process outgrowth by means of diffusible concentration gradients
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA281846
Entities
People
- Damien Kuffler
Organizations
- University of Puerto Rico