Time-lapse changes of in vivo injured neuronal substructures in the central nervous system after low energy two-photon nanosurgery

Neural Regeneration Research, 2017 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.206644 · Published: May 1, 2017

Neurology Research Methodology & Design Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study introduces a new method to observe how nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord respond to injury. The method uses a low-energy laser to precisely damage small parts of these cells, such as dendrites and axons. Researchers used this method to watch what happens to these damaged cell parts over time. They found that the damaged parts change shape and structure in response to the injury. This new approach could help scientists better understand how nerves regenerate after injury and potentially lead to new treatments for nerve damage.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

One-month-old male mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)

Evidence Level

Level III, Experimental study

Key Findings

1
Individual axons, dendrites, and dendritic spines in the brain and spinal cord were successfully ablated using low energy two-photon nanosurgery.
2
Time-lapse imaging revealed alterations in the injured neuronal substructures, including fragmentation and bulb formation.
3
The low energy used caused no observable additional damage in the neuronal sub-structures.

Research Summary

This study introduces a novel method using low-energy two-photon nanosurgery to selectively disrupt individual dendrites, axons, and dendritic spines in the murine brain and spinal cord to accurately monitor time-lapse changes in injured neuronal structures. The researchers successfully ablated individual axons, dendrites, and dendritic spines and observed the time-lapse alterations in these structures in response to the lesion. The approach allows for monitoring the dynamics of lesion and may provide new insights into axon and dendrite growth in response to acute injury.

Practical Implications

Understanding Neuronal Regeneration

The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the underlying processes that promote neuronal regeneration after injury.

Therapeutic Strategies

The approach may contribute to establishing therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders involving dendritic injury.

Neuropharmacological Studies

The combined nanosurgery and in vivo imaging technique may be a tool for neuropharmacological studies on how dendrite spines and dendrites respond to lesion.