Rapid transport of foreign particles microinjected into crab axons.

摘要: The rapid transport of optically detectable organelles in axons has been well documented, although its molecular mechanism remains unknown1–3. Here we report that synthetic particles microinjected into the giant shore crab, Carcinus maenas, are also transported, moving as though they were endogenous organelles. Polystyrene beads, polyacrolein paraffin droplets and glass fragments, sizes up to 0.5 µm diameter, have tested. Many these foreign move rapidly for long distances along axon anterograde direction, travelling a saltatory fashion, within defined velocity range. In many respects movements indistinguishable from those anterogradely seen by phase-contrast axons. Our results indicate there is system capable carrying almost any particle suitable physical properties an direction.