Free radicals are important for dendritic growth in rat embryonic sympathetic neurons

SMC Author

Vidya Chandrasekaran - Faculty Charlotte Lea - Student

SMC Affiliated Work

1

Author Role

co-author

Status

Faculty

School

School of Science

Department

Biology

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

3-29-2012

Publication / Conference / Sponsorship

FASEB J

Description/Abstract

Dendritic growth and retraction are important hallmarks of neuronal growth and injury respectively. It is therefore important to elucidate the regulators of dendritic growth. Previous studies have shown that a family of proteins known as Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) promote dendritic growth in sympathetic neurons and enhance dendritic outgrowth in central neurons. In this study, we identified free radical mediated signaling as potential regulator of dendritic growth in sympathetic neurons. Cultured sympathetic neurons from E21 rat pups were treated with BMP-7 (5 ng/ml or 50 ng/ml), with or without antioxidants. Some of the antioxidants examined in this study include Diphenylene iodinium (DPI), Nordihydroguiaretic acid (NGA), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Desferroxamine (DFO). Our results showed that BMP-7 induced dendritic growth was inhibited by antioxidants in a dose dependent manner, without affecting axonal growth or cell numbers. Furthermore, DPI and DFO induced dendritic retraction whereas NGA prevented further growth of existing dendrites. These results suggest that low levels of free radicals are beneficial for maintenance of dendrites in sympathetic neurons. We are currently exploring the possible connections between BMP signaling and free radical signaling in sympathetic neurons. (Supported by the Saint Mary’s College Summer Research Program)

Volume

26

First Page

845.6

Last Page

845.6

Disciplines

Biology | Life Sciences

Original Citation

Chandrasekaran V., Lea C. and Lein P.J.: Free radicals are important for dendritic growth in rat embryonic sympathetic neurons. FASEB J March 29, 2012 26:845.6

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