Osmotically Driven Shape Transformations in Axons
Biological Physics
2007-05-23 v1 Fluid Dynamics
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 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 analyse 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.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0603122,
title = {Osmotically Driven Shape Transformations in Axons},
author = {Pramod A. Pullarkat and Paul Dommersnes and Pablo Fernández and Jean-François Joanny and Albrecht Ott and .},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0603122},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
4 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters