Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/2289/5501| Title: | Mechanical Properties of Axons |
| Authors: | Bernal, Roberto Pullarkat, Pramod A. Melo, Francisco |
| Issue Date: | 2007 |
| Publisher: | American Physical Society |
| Citation: | Physical Review Letters, 2007, Vol.99, p018301-1 |
| 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 κ coupled with a Voigt element that includes a less stiff spring k and a dashpot γ—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 T against elongation rates δ˙k. 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 T vs δ˙k. |
| Description: | Restricted Access. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/2289/5501 |
| ISSN: | 0031-9007 1079-7114(Online) |
| Alternative Location: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.018301 |
| Copyright: | 2007 American Physical Society |
| Appears in Collections: | Research Papers (SCM) |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007_PhysRevLett_Vol.99_p018301.pdf Restricted Access | Restricted Access | 450.72 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open Request a copy |
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