Electric axon guidance in embryonic retina: galvanotropism revisited

Abstract

In addition to well-known mechanisms of chemical guidance, growing axons in the nervous system are directed by an extracellular electric field in a process known as galvanotropism. The galvanotropic behavior of nerve cells in vitro was first demonstrated as long ago as 1920. However, it remains unknown whether embryonic nerve tissues generate a similar electric field in order to guide growing axons. The present study reveals that an extracellular voltage gradient exists in the embryonic retina and that this gradient guides the axons of newborn retinal ganglion cells towards their targets. These findings indicate an important role for galvanotropism in the initial orientation of axons that extend over long distances, and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the proper extension of developing axons in the embryonic brain.