CALCIUM-CHANNEL SUBTYPES AND INTRACELLULAR CALCIUM STORES MODULATE ELECTRIC FIELD-STIMULATED AND FIELD-ORIENTED NERVE GROWTH

In culture, embryonic spinal neurites from Xenopus laevis show striking growth responses to steady de 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. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.