Spatially Restricted Exposure of Toxins to Neurons and its Impact on Axonal Degeneration Using AXIS™

22 Nov 2011

Due to their size, shape, and function, neurons and their distal axons are continually exposed to differing factors which can mediate neurotoxic effects. Utilizing a novel microfluidic Axonal Isolation System (AXIS™) EMD Millipore was able to spatially isolate axons so they could be directly and specifically exposed to neurotoxins to determine if the neurotoxic effects observed were due to direct axonal exposure or mediated by the neuronal cell body.

AXIS™ Axon Isolation Device, 150 µm

Merck

AXIS devices physically isolate developing neurites from each other and their respective neural cell bodies. In addition, the use of hydrostatic pressure during analysis provides researchers with an opportunity for targeted exposure of neuronal parts to growth factors, drug compounds, or other reagents of biological interest. This ability to selectively control exposure of neuronal outgrowth makes AXIS a powerful platform for any researcher interested in understanding axons, dendrites, somas, and their roles in synaptic formation, neural cell development, differentiation, regeneration, degeneration, and trauma.

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