Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/2289/4625
Title: Osmotically driven shape transformations in axons
Authors: Pullarkat, Pramod A.
Dommersnes, Paul
Fernandez, Pablo
Joanny, J.F.
Ott, Albrecht
Issue Date: 2006
Publisher: American Physical Society
Citation: Physical Review Letters, 2006, Vol.96, p048104-1
Abstract: We report a cylindrical-peristaltic shape transformation in axons exposed to a controlled osmotic perturbation. The peristaltic shape relaxes and the axon recovers its original geometry within minutes. We show that the shape instability depends critically on the swelling rate and that volume and membrane area regulation are responsible for the shape relaxation. We propose that volume regulation occurs via leakage of ions driven by elastic pressure, and analyze the peristaltic shape dynamics taking into account the internal structure of the axon. The results obtained provide a framework for understanding peristaltic shape dynamics in nerve fibers occurring in vivo.
Description: Restricted Access.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2289/4625
ISSN: 0031-9007
1079-7114 (Onnline)
Alternative Location: http://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0603122
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.048104
Copyright: 2006, American Physical Society
Appears in Collections:Research Papers (SCM)

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