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Formation of Neuromuscular Junction‐Like Structure Between Primary Sensory Terminals and Skeletal Muscle Cells in Vitro
Author(s) -
Liu Huaxiang,
Wang Lihong,
Li Hao,
Liu Zhen,
Wang Huaijing,
Li Zhenzhong
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the anatomical record: advances in integrative anatomy and evolutionary biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.678
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1932-8494
pISSN - 1932-8486
DOI - 10.1002/ar.21310
Subject(s) - dorsal root ganglion , sensory system , axon , neuromuscular junction , neuroscience , biology , anatomy , sensory neuron , microbiology and biotechnology , neurotrophic factors , chemistry , receptor , biochemistry
Sensory nerve cross‐anastomosis provides a modified trophic environment by modulating neurotrophic factor synthesis in muscle. Target tissues contribute to the phenotype and function of sensory neurons. Whether formation of neuromuscular junction (NMJ)‐like structure between sensory neurons and skeletal muscle (SKM) cells in vitro remains unknown. In this study, a neuromuscular coculture model of dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and SKM cells was established. The relationship between DRG neurons and SKM cells was observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that: (1) DRG neuronal axons frequently terminated on or adhered to the SKM cells; (2) the crossing axons adhered to each other, hence displacement of the terminal axons on the contracting SKM cells would also oscillate the proximally crossing axonal network; (3) the configurations of the axon terminal observed by SEM were variable in different culture conditions; (4) the enlarged nerve endings terminated on the surface of SKM cells which formed NMJ‐like structure. These results offered new clues for a better understanding of the relationship between sensory neurons and SKM cells. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.