Inhibition of fast anterograde axoplasmic transport by a pressure barrier. The effect of pressure gradient and maximal pressure

Abstract

Fast anterograde axoplasmic transport was studied in the motor fibers of rabbit vagus nerve in vitro at 22.degree. C with a pressure barrier applied to a small section of the nerve. The barrier was characterized by the maximal pressure and the gradients on each side of the maximum. The range tested was 16-45 mmHg maximal pressure and 30-140 mmHg/mm length of nerve for the pressure gradients. In the ranges tested the maximal pressure was of major importance for transport inhibition; the pressure gradient was of little significance. At least 1 part of fast anterograde axoplasmic transport occurs within collapsible canalicular structures.