Atomic Force Microscopy Applications to Neuroscience
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Atomic Force Microscopy Applications to Neuroscience Helen A. McNally Center for Paralysis Research Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 [email protected]
ABSTRACT In this research, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is used to investigate living neurons. Three-dimensional images of developing and dying neurons have been obtained, providing neuroscientists their first views of these dynamic structures. The unparalleled resolution provided by AFM reveals dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells to be more complex and variable than anticipated. AFM is also used to physically contact or manipulate the cell, and thus perturb its development, and/or to measure important physiologically parameters such as surface pressure. Neural cell damage is induced by the AFM tip, which is subsequently used to image the cell’s morphological response. A 3-D view of the neural cell collapse, due to this insult, suggests alternative ideas concerning acute neuronal (cellular) sealing and repair. Repair of the injured neuron using electric fields and biomolecules is also investigated, supporting clinical trials for paralysis research. AFM force measurements are used to monitor cellular activity and membrane interactions during various stages of the neural cell life cycle. The full versatility of AFM will be applied to further the understanding of neurogenesis and neurotrauma. INTRODUCTION The utilization of atomic force microscopy (AFM) promises to have significant impact in the field of neuroscience. Investigation with this technology can be applied to basic neurobiology, neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and incidences of neurotrauma such as traumatic brain injury, stroke,
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and spinal cord injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the following statistics for the United States alone are provided: Multiple Sclerosis – 10,000 / year Parkinson’s Disease – 200,000 / year Traumatic Brain Injury – 1.5 million / year Stroke – 700,000 / year Spinal Cord Injury – 11,000 / year Each of these conditions may lead to permanent disability or even death. At a minimum, they can cause problems with cognition, motor function, sensation, and/or emotion. At the Center for Paralysis Research (CPR), Purdue University, we concentrate on aspects of neurotrauma, although the basic research learned from the use of AFM can also be applied to neurobiology and neurodegenerative diseases. The application of AFM in neuroscience thus far has been limited [1]. Previous researchers have used the incredible resolution of the AFM to investigate cells in the fixed state [2-4] and research has concentrated on nanoscale features of the surface including gap junctions, ionic channels, and focal adhesion points [5]. A few investigators have used the AFM capabilities in fluid to study the internal structure of neuron [6,7]. We have begun using AFM technology to study the overall threedimensional structure of living neural cells [8], providing neuroscientists with their first detailed views of these dynamic s
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