Title

Tissue engineering the mechanosensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc: Sensory neuron innervation of intrafusal muscle fibers

Authors

Authors

J. W. Rumsey; M. Das; A. Bhalkikar; M. Stancescu;J. J. Hickman

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Biomaterials

Keywords

BNaC1; Mechanosensation; DETA; DRG neurons; Synapse; SPINAL MUSCULAR-ATROPHY; HEAVY-CHAIN ISOFORMS; SERUM-FREE MEDIUM; CAENORHABDITIS-ELEGANS; SKELETAL-MUSCLE; ION CHANNELS; HIPPOCAMPAL-NEURONS; SODIUM-CHANNELS; PRIMARY ENDINGS; DEFINED SYSTEM; Engineering, Biomedical; Materials Science, Biomaterials

Abstract

The sensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc, composed of specialized intrafusal muscle fibers and type la proprioceptive sensory neurons, converts mechanical information regarding muscle length and stretch to electrical action potentials and relays them to the central nervous system. Utilizing a non-biological substrate, surface patterning photolithography and a serum-free medium formulation a co-culture system was developed that facilitated functional interactions between intrafusal muscle fibers and sensory neurons. The presence of annulospiral wrappings (ASWs) and flower-spray endings (FSEs), both physiologically relevant morphologies in sensory neuron-intrafusal fiber interactions, were demonstrated and quantified using immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, two proposed components of the mammalian mechanosensory transduction system, BNaC1 and PICK1, were both identified at the ASWs and FSEs. To verify functionality of the mechanoreceptor elements the system was integrated with a MEMS cantilever device, and Ca(2+) currents were imaged along the length of an axon innervating an intrafusal fiber when stretched by cantilever deflection. This system provides a platform for examining the role of this mechanosensory complex in the pathology of myotonic and muscular dystrophies, peripheral neuropathy, and spasticity inducing diseases like Parkinson's. These studies will also assist in engineering fine motor control for prosthetic devices by improving our understanding of mechanosensitive feedback. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Biomaterials

Volume

31

Issue/Number

32

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

8218

Last Page

8227

WOS Identifier

WOS:000283112700012

ISSN

0142-9612

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