Browsing by Author "ARREDONDO, F"

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    REGULATION OF AXONAL MICROTUBULES - EFFECT OF SYMPATHETIC HYPERACTIVITY ELICITED BY RESERPINE
    (1982) ALVAREZ, J; ARREDONDO, F; ESPEJO, F; WILLIAMS, V
    The density of microtubules in sympathetic postganglionic fibers of the cat was studied with EM before and after administration of reserpine. The microtubule density was 56 microtubules/.mu.2 under basal conditions. Six hours after reserpine administration the density rose by 46%. This change was still present 55 h later. At least 31% of the total microtubular protein in the axoplasm of sympathetic fibers of the unrestrained cat was estimated to be in the soluble form. The increase in microtubule density was prevented by a section of the preganglionic fibers. Microtubules of the unmyelinated fibers of the cutaneous sural nerve were unaffected by reserpine treatment. Since reserpine produces hyperactivity of sympathetic nerves, this hyperactivity apparently is instrumental in the increase of the number of axonal microtubules. The electrical activity of nerves regulates axonal microtubules in the living animal.