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The effect of cAMP signaling on the longitudinal extension of spinal sensory neurons in the chicken embryo
Author(s) -
CoutinhoBudd Jaeda C.,
Ezerman Elizabeth B.,
Forehand Cynthia J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of anatomy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.932
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1469-7580
pISSN - 0021-8782
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00981.x
Subject(s) - sensory system , embryo , extension (predicate logic) , sensory neuron , neuroscience , anatomy , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , computer science , programming language
Developing sensory axons grow into the spinal cord in a three‐step process: the axons extend toward and into the cord, then branch rostrally and caudally to establish a longitudinal pathway, and finally grow into the grey matter. This study investigated regulation by cAMP of the longitudinal extension of this pathway within the spinal cord. The cAMP pathway was pharmacologically altered in chicken embryos to determine its effects on the establishment of the longitudinal extension of the dorsal funiculus. A forskolin‐induced increase in cAMP in ovo inhibited longitudinal growth by sensory afferents. Furthermore, blocking cAMP activation of protein kinase A (PKA) in ovo with H‐89 substantially increased longitudinal extension. These results demonstrate a specific role for the cAMP/PKA pathway in the initial longitudinal spinal afferent growth in the chicken embryo.