Neurite outgrowth in developing mouse spinal cord neurons is modulated by glycine receptors

The effect of glycine receptor activation on neurite outgrowth and survival was studied in 5 DIV (days in vitro) spinal neurons. These neurons were de polarized by spontaneous synaptic activity and by glycine, but not by gluta mate. These responses were accompanied by increases in intracellular calciu m concentration measured with Indo-1 and Fluo-3. Glycine (100 mu M, 48 h) i ncreased (46 +/- 6%) the number of primary neurites and total neuritic leng th. This effect was mediated by synaptic activity and calcium influx becaus e TTX (1 mu M) and nimodipine (4 mu M) blocked the stimulatory effect of gl ycine. Neuronal survival, on the other hand, was not affected. This study s hows for the first time the modulatory effect of glycine receptors on spina l neuron development. NeuroReport 11:3007-3010 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.