Web Release Date: December 28,
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy of Model Neurons: Imaging and Real-Time Detection of Morphological Changes
and
Department of Chemistry, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790-4160
and
Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790-4120
Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762
Received for review September 25, 2002. Accepted November 13, 2002.
Abstract:
Living PC12 cells, a model cell type for studying neuronal
function, were imaged using the negative feedback mode
of a scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM). Six
biocompatible redox mediators were successfully identified from a large pool of candidates and were then used
for imaging PC12 cells before and after exposure to nerve
growth factor (NGF). When exposed to NGF, cells differentiate into a neuron phenotype by growing narrow
neurites (1-2 
m wide) that can extend >100 m from
the cell proper. We demonstrate that carbon fiber electrodes with reduced tip diameters can be used for imaging
both the cell proper and these neurites. Regions of
decreased current, possibly resulting from raised features
not identifiable by light microscopy, are clearly evident
in the SECM images. Changes in the morphology of
undifferentiated PC12 cells could be detected in real time
with the SECM. After exposure to hypotonic and hypertonic solutions, reversible changes in cell height of <2
m were measured.
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