Abstract
The mechanical response of PC12 neurites under tension is investigated using a microneedle technique. Elastic response, viscoelastic relaxation, and active contraction are observed. The mechanical model proposed by Dennerll et al. [J. Cell Biol. 109, 3073 (1989).], which involves three mechanical devices—a stiff spring coupled with a Voigt element that includes a less stiff spring and a dashpot —has been improved by adding a new element to describe the main features of the contraction of axons. This element, which represents the action of molecular motors, acts in parallel with viscous forces defining a global tension response of axons against elongation rates . Under certain conditions, axons show a transition from a viscoelastic elongation to active contraction, suggesting the presence of a negative elongation rate sensitivity in the curve vs .
- Received 26 January 2007
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.018301
©2007 American Physical Society