Laser trapping of menbrane protein particles in neurons

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Neurons protrude growth cones during development and also during axon sprouting after damage. Evoked release of acetylcholine (ACh) from the growth cones of central cholinergic neurons in culture was monitored using whole-cell patch clamp recording from ACh-receptor-rich neuron placed close to the growth cones as a sensor of ACh release. Simultaneous video-enhanced DIC imaging of growth cones showed contacts between growth cones and the sensor neuron after ACh release. Adhesion was also observed between growth cones and latex beads, when growth cones were exposed to high potassium solution. After beads attached on the growth cone membrane, 1 pN of laser optical pressure was required for moving the beads about 0z1 to 1 mum on the growth cone surface. The changes in the surface viscosity of the growth cone membrane was estimated by analyzing the video images of laser trapped beads on it.