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Changes in axonal transport in neurones of Asterias vulgaris and Asterias forbesei produced by colchicine and dimethyl sulfoxide

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Summary

Gas flow analysis, autoradiography, and electron microscopy were performed on radial nerve cords of sea stars injected intragastrically with [14C] leucine tracer, a precursor of axonal proteins. Neurotubules, neurofilaments, and axonal transport were demonstrated for the first time in sea stars. This transport occurred at two rates (fast phase: 240–480 mm/da, slow phase: 20–40 mm/da) moving in both the cellulifugal and centripetal directions. The rate in the centripetal direction was slightly slower. Displacement of peaks of radioactivity appeared cyclic.Transneuronal transport apparently occurred between several groups of neurones suggesting the possibility of metabolic communication, perhaps across the synapse, between groups of neurones or even areas of the nervous system. Regenerating nerve cords demonstrated an increase in the rate (400–600 mm/da) and quantity (6–11 times as much) of label transported to cord termini.

The relationship between colchicine and the disruption of neurotubular integrity, resulting in disturbances in fast phase transport, was confirmed. More significantly, the association between nerve injury and site or concentration of treatment is emphasized. Treatment of nerve cords with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) produced more subtle effects than did colchicine, reversible 4–6 hours following the local treatment of the involved nerves. Axon bundles swelled and the organization of axons within the bundles was distorted. Stereochemical structure was suggested from this work as playing a key role in effecting fast phase transport.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut

    F. W. Gamache Jr. & J. F. Gamache

  2. Dept. of Anatomy, Cornell University Medical College, New York, N.Y., USA

    F. W. Gamache Jr. & J. F. Gamache

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  1. F. W. Gamache Jr.
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  2. J. F. Gamache
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Additional information

The authors are indebted to Dr. B. Kiefer, Department of Biology, Wesleyan University, Dr. L. Ross, Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Pennsylvania, and Dr. M. Shelanski, Department of Molecular Biology, Harvard University for their help and constructive criticism.

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Gamache, F.W., Gamache, J.F. Changes in axonal transport in neurones of Asterias vulgaris and Asterias forbesei produced by colchicine and dimethyl sulfoxide. Cell Tissue Res. 152, 423–435 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218929

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00218929

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