Sciatic nerve regeneration is not inhibited by anti-NGF antibody treatment in the adult rat

Elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) is believed to play a role in many types of pain. An NGF-blocking antibody (muMab 911) has been shown to reduce pain and hyperalgesia in pain models, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for pain management. Since NGF also plays important roles in peripheral nervous system development and sensory nerve outgrowth, we asked whether anti-NGF antibodies would adversely impact peripheral nerve regeneration. Adult rats underwent a unilateral sciatic nerve crush to transect axons and were subcutaneously dosed weekly for 8weeks with muMab 911 or vehicle beginning 1day prior to injury. Plasma levels of muMab 911 were assessed from blood samples and foot print analysis was used to assess functional recovery. At 8-weeks post-nerve injury, sciatic nerves were prepared for light and electron microscopy. In a separate group, Fluro-Gold was injected subcutaneously at the ankle prior to perfusion, and counts and sizes of retrogradely labeled and unlabeled dorsal root ganglion neurons were obtained. There was no difference in the time course of gait recovery in antibody-treated and vehicle-treated animals. The number of myelinated and nonmyelinated axons was the same in the muMab 911-treated crushed nerves and intact nerves, consistent with observed complete recovery. Treatment with muMab 911 did however result in a small decrease in average cell body size on both the intact and injured sides. These results indicate that muMab 911 did not impair functional recovery or nerve regeneration after nerve injury in adult rats.

[The role of transplanted astrocytes for the regeneration of CNS axons]

Long tract axons in the mammalian CNS do not normally regenerate for appreciable distance after they transected. But we reported transplantation of Schwann cells(SCs) or olfactory ensheathing cells induced regeneration of transected rat dorsal column (DC) axons and improved the conduction. Scar formation(gliosis), for which astrocytes(ACs) play an important role, may be one of strong and physical barriers for the regeneration of CNS axon. Oligodendrocyte and myelin associated protein or products also inhibit the regeneration of the axons, as chemical barriers. To investigate how effective the promotion or the reduction of scar or myelin formation may be for axonal regeneration, we transplanted AC into transected DCs, or radiated(X-ray) the DCs, and compared to normal DCs or regenerated DCs following by SC transplantation. DCs of adult rats were transected at Th 11 and transplanted with SCs(6 x 10(4)) of adult rats or ACs(6 x 10(4)) of neonatal rats. Five to six weeks later, the spinal cords were removed and pinned in a recording chamber, and compound action potentials (CAPs) along the DC through the transected lesion were recorded, to investigate conduction properties(conduction velocity and response after high frequency stimulations). Following transplantation of SCs or ACs, histological examination revealed regenerated axons with SC-like patterns of remyelination in transected DCs. X-ray irradiation did not enhance the regeneration of DC axons. SC transplantation improved the conduction properties of transected DCs and increased the number of regenerated axons, compared to transected DCs without cell transplantation. AC transplantation resulted in improvement of the conduction properties, but the number of regenerated axons was similar to that of transected DCs without the transplantation. X-ray irradiation (40 Gy) three days before DC transection and AC transplantation prevented the electrophysiological continuity of axons through the transected lesion. This evidence revealed that AC transplantation secondarily enhanced the regeneration of axons, probably endogeneous SCs of dorsal roots migrated into the transected lesion and enhanced the axonal regeneration.

Transplantation of cryopreserved adult human Schwann cells enhances axonal conduction in demyelinated spinal cord

Schwann cells derived from human sural nerve may provide a valuable source of tissue for a cell-based therapy in multiple sclerosis. However, it is essential to show that transplanted human Schwann cells can remyelinate axons in adult CNS and improve axonal conduction. Sections of sural nerve were removed from amputated legs of patients with vascular disease or diabetes, and Schwann cells were isolated and cryopreserved. Suspensions of reconstituted cells were transplanted into the X-irradiation/ethidium bromide lesioned dorsal columns of immunosuppressed Wistar rat. After 3-5 weeks of extensive remyelination, a typical Schwann cell pattern was observed in the lesion zone. Many cells in the lesion were immunopositive for an anti-human nuclei monoclonal antibody. The dorsal columns were removed and maintained in an in vitro recording chamber; the conduction properties were studied using field potential and intra-axonal recording techniques. The transplanted dorsal columns displayed improved conduction velocity and frequency-response properties, and action potentials conducted over a greater distance into the lesion, suggesting that conduction block was overcome. These data support the conclusion that transplantation of human Schwann cells results in functional remyelination of a dorsal column lesion.

Xenotransplantation of transgenic pig olfactory ensheathing cells promotes axonal regeneration in rat spinal cord

Here we describe transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) or Schwann cells derived from transgenic pigs expressing the human complement inhibitory protein, CD59 (hCD59), into transected dorsal column lesions of the spinal cord of the immunosuppressed rat to induce axonal regeneration. Non-transplanted lesion-controlled rats exhibited no impulse conduction across the transection site, whereas in animals receiving transgenic pig OECs or Schwann cells impulse conduction was restored across and beyond the lesion site for more than a centimeter. Cell labeling indicated that the donor cells migrated into the denervated host tract. Conduction velocity measurements showed that the regenerated axons conducted impulses faster than normal axons. By morphological analysis, the axons seemed thickly myelinated with a peripheral pattern of myelin expected from the donor cell type. These results indicate that xenotranplantation of myelin-forming cells from pigs genetically altered to reduce the hyperacute response in humans are able to induce elongative axonal regeneration and remyelination and restore impulse conduction across the transected spinal cord.

[Characteristic improvement of the function following Schwann cell transplantation for demyelinated spinal cord]

Transplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) induced remyelination of demyelinated rat dorsal column (DC) axons and improved conduction. To investigate the difference between oligodendrocyte (OL) and SC myelination in conductive functions of axons, we compared normal DCs, demyelinated DCs, demyelinated DCs remyelinated by SC transplantation, and normal dorsal roots. All of the axons was originated from dorsal root ganglion neurons. Dorsal roots of adult rats were demyelinated at T11 by X-ray irradiation and ethidium bromide, and transplanted with SCs (3 x 10(4)) of adult rats. Three weeks later, the spinal cord was removed and pinned in a recording chamber and compound action potentials (CAPs) were recorded, to investigate conduction properties (conduction velocity and response after high frequency stimulation). Normal DCs or dorsal roots were recorded in same manner. Following transplantation of SCs, histological examination revealed SC-like patterns of remyelination in demyelinated DCs. SC transplantation improved significantly conduction properties compared to demyelinated axons, but less than normal DC. Moreover, remyelinated axons by SC transplantation showed as low amplitude of CAP as dorsal roots, but lower conduction velocity than dorsal roots. Though anatomical difference and/or time after transplantation influenced the conduction, these result suggested that SC myelination resulted in lower amplitude of CAP than OL, and SC remyelination might be insufficient for conduction velocity.

[Comparison of myelin-forming cells as candidates for therapeutic transplantation in demyelinated CNS axons]

Demyelination of axons resulted in distinct reduction of conduction velocity or block of conduction. Remyelination by transplantation of myelin-forming cells may provide a therapeutic approach for demyelinated diseases. However, which cell type will be the most appropriate candidate for such a cell therapy is not established. To investigate how effective grafted neonatal brain cell (BC) (including oligodendrocyte and astrocyte) isolated from neonatal fronto-temporal lobes, adult olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) or adult Schwann cell (SC) may be for demyelinated CNS axons in vivo, dorsal columns(DCs) of adult rat spinal cord were demyelinated at Th 11 by X-ray irradiation (day 0) and the injection of ethidium bromide (day 3), and transplanted 5 x 10(4) of BCs, 3 x 10(4) of OECs, or 3 x 10(4) of SCs into the lesion (day 6). Day 28-31, spinal cord were removed and transferred an in vitro recording chamber to record field potentials using glass micropipettes, to investigate conduction properties at 36 degrees. Normal DCs were recorded in same manner. Histological examination revealed that OECs and SCs resulted in substantial SC-like patterns of remyelination to equal degree, BC transplantation resulted in less myelination. The conduction velocities were significantly improved to 4.2 +/- 2.4 m/s(BC, n = 5), 8.5 +/- 3.3 m/s(OEC, n = 6) and 7.7 +/- 1.5 m/s(SC, n = 5), compared to demyelinated axons(1.2 +/- 0.4 m/s, n = 7). A 600 Hz 0.5 sec stimulus train led to an amplitude decrement of 7.1 +/- 7.5% (n = 7) in demyelinated axons. Following transplantation, the amplitude decreased in 31.3 +/- 18.7% (BC, n = 5), 49.9 +/- 19.9% (OEC, n = 6) and 66.2 +/- 11.9% (SC, n = 5). Transplanted OECs and SCs enhanced the remyelination of demyelinated CNS axons, and improved conduction properties were similar, and more effective than that induced from isolated CNS tissue which included oligodendrocyte.

Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells or Schwann cells restores rapid and secure conduction across the transected spinal cord

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) or Schwann cells were transplanted into the transected dorsal columns of the rat spinal cord to induce axonal regeneration. Electrophysiological recordings were obtained in an isolated spinal cord preparation. Without transplantation of cells, no impulse conduction was observed across the transection site; but following cell transplantation, impulse conduction was observed for over a centimeter beyond the lesion. Cell labelling indicated that the regenerated axons were derived from the appropriate neuronal source, and that donor cells migrated into the denervated host tract. As reported in previous studies, the number of regenerated axons was limited. Conduction velocity measurements and morphology indicated that the regenerated axons were myelinated, but conducted faster and had larger axon areas than normal axons. These results indicate that the regenerated spinal cord axons induced by cell transplantation provide a quantitatively limited but rapidly conducting new pathway across the transection site.

Utilization of fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of metastatic tumors to the kidney

Renal masses secondary to metastases are not common. Few comprehensive reviews exist, which consist primarily of autopsy and radiologic reports. The purpose of this study was to review the types and incidences of various neoplasms which metastasize to the kidney and to determine the usefulness of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in diagnosing them. Two hundred and sixty-one radiologically guided FNAs of renal lesions over a 9-yr period were reviewed. The diagnoses of the 261 renal FNAs were as follows: 136 (52%) were malignant, 111 (43%) were benign, and 14 (5%) were unsatisfactory. Of the 136 positive FNAs, 28 (21%) revealed metastatic tumors. The overall incidence of renal FNAs displaying metastatic tumors was 11%. Among the 28 patients with metastases to the kidney, 23 patients were men and 5 were women, with the mean age being 58 yr. Twenty-five patients (89%) had prior history of a primary malignancy, including lung carcinoma (11 cases, 39%), lymphoma (8 cases, 29%), hepatocellular carcinoma (3 cases, 11%), and one case each of breast, pancreatic, and cervical cancer. In the remaining 3 patients (11%), with metastatic adenocarcinoma (2 cases) and squamous-cell carcinoma (1 case), the primary tumor site remained unknown despite an extensive clinical workup. Overall survival after FNA was poor, with a mean of 9.8 mo. FNA is useful in the diagnosis of masses in the kidney secondary to metastatic disease. This information is of clinical importance, principally in the exclusion of a primary malignancy, but also to avoid unnecessary surgery and to plan for subsequent patient care.

Transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells remyelinate and enhance axonal conduction in the demyelinated dorsal columns of the rat spinal cord

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which have properties of both astrocytes and Schwann cells, can remyelinate axons with a Schwann cell-like pattern of myelin. In this study the pattern and extent of remyelination and the electrophysiological properties of dorsal column axons were characterized after transplantation of OECs into a demyelinated rat spinal cord lesion. Dorsal columns of adult rat spinal cords were demyelinated by x-ray irradiation and focal injections of ethidium bromide. Cell suspensions of acutely dissociated OECs from neonatal rats were injected into the lesion 6 d after x-ray irradiation. At 21-25 d after transplantation of OECs, the spinal cords were maintained in an in vitro recording chamber to study the conduction properties of the axons. The remyelinated axons displayed improved conduction velocity and frequency-response properties, and action potentials were conducted a greater distance into the lesion, suggesting that conduction block was overcome. Quantitative histological analysis revealed remyelinated axons near and remote from the cell injection site, indicating extensive migration of OECs within the lesion. These data support the conclusion that transplantation of neonatal OECs results in quantitatively extensive and functional remyelination of demyelinated dorsal column axons.

Mechanisms of enhancement of neurite regeneration in vitro following a conditioning sciatic nerve lesion

To examine the mechanisms responsible for the more rapid nerve regeneration observed after a previous (conditioning) nerve injury, adult rats were subjected to a midthigh sciatic nerve transection by using one of three protocols designed to facilitate or restrict nerve regeneration: 1) ligation, in which transected axons were prevented from regenerating; 2) cut, in which transected axons were permitted to extend into peripheral target tissue but were separated from the denervated peripheral nerve stump; and 3) crush, in which axons could regenerate normally through the denervated distal nerve tract. The affected dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were subsequently removed, dissociated, and cultured for up to 3 days, and the timing of neurite initiation, rate of outgrowth, and arborization pattern of previously injured neurons were compared with control DRG. Our results indicate that conditioning lesions have at least four distinct and differentially regulated effects on neuronal morphogenesis: 1) conditioning lesions promote earlier neurite initiation, 2) prior nerve injury decreases the ability of neurons to extend long neurites following a second axotomy, 3) exposure to the environment of a denervated peripheral nerve stimulates greater initial rates of neurite outgrowth, and 4) conditioning lesions reduces initial neuritic branching frequency, resulting in straighter neurites whose growth cones extend further distances from their cell bodies. The primary effect of all conditioning lesions on cultured DRG neurons appeared to be to advance the timing of morphogenesis, resulting in conditioning-lesioned neurons that exhibited characteristics consistent with control neurons that had been cultured for an additional day or more. A secondary effect of conditioning lesions on neurite outgrowth rates was dependent on the local environment of the axons prior to culturing.

Blocking Ca2+ mobilization with thapsigargin reduces neurite initiation in cultured adult rat DRG neurons

Adult rat DRG neurons rapidly extend extensive neuritic arbors after a 1-2-day delay in culture and generate large depolarization-induced calcium signals during this time period that are derived primarily from intracellular calcium release. To assess whether intracellular calcium mobilization is required for neurite initiation, calcium stores were depleted by brief exposure to the irreversible endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin; cultures were then maintained for 3 days, immunostained for neurofilament and scored for percentage of neurons with neurites at least twice as long as the cell body. Brief thapsigargin treatment (20 min) during the first 24 h in culture resulted in a substantial decrease in neurite initiation frequency without affecting neuronal or nonneuronal cell survival, suggesting that intracellular calcium mobilization is necessary for triggering neurite initiation in these neurons.

Intracellular calcium mobilization and neurite outgrowth in mammalian neurons

Cultured adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were used to study depolarization-induced Ca2+ mobilization and the effects of intracellular Ca2+ depletion on neurite outgrowth. Cytoplasmic and nuclear Ca2+ signals were visualized in dissociated DRG neurons using confocal scanning laser microscopy and the Ca2+ indicator dye fluo-3. The depolarization-induced Ca2+ signals were highest in neurons during the first few days in culture, prior to neurite extension; during this time nuclear signals exceeded those of the cytoplasm severalfold. After several days in culture, neurons began to arborize, depolarization-induced Ca2+ signals became attenuated, and nuclear signals no longer exceeded those of the cytoplasm. Elevated Ca2+ signals were dependent upon both Ca2+ influx and intact intracellular Ca2+ stores, indicating that the signals are generated by calcium-induced calcium release (CICR). Thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor, depleted intracellular Ca2+ stores and blocked the induction of the large nuclear Ca2+ signals. Treating DRG neurons briefly with thapsigargin (200 nM for 20 min) shortly after plating reduced subsequent neuritogenesis, implying that intact Ca2+ stores are necessary for initiating neurite outgrowth. Immunostaining of DRG neurons with antibodies to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaM kinase II) demonstrated that this enzyme is present in the nucleus at early times in culture. These observations are consistent with the idea that CICR triggered by Ca2+ entry subsequent to depolarization may elicit neurite outgrowth by activating nuclear enzymes appropriate for such outgrowth.

Roles of actin filaments and three second-messenger systems in short-term regulation of chick dorsal root ganglion neurite outgrowth

In a previous study (J. Cell Biol. 109: 1229-1243, 1989), we reported that conditions which increased growth cone calcium levels and induced neurite retraction in cultured chick DRG neurons also resulted in an apparent loss of actin filaments in the growth cone periphery. We further showed that the actin-stabilizing drug phalloidin could block or reverse calcium-ionophore-induced neurite retraction, indicating that the behavioral changes were mediated, at least in part, by changes in actin filament stability. In this study, we have further characterized the calcium sensitivity of growth cone behavior to identify which features of calcium-induced behavioral effects can be attributed to effects on actin filaments alone, and to assess whether two other second-messenger systems, cAMP and protein kinase C, might influence neurite outgrowth by altering calcium levels or actin stability. The results indicated that growth cone behavior was highly sensitive to small changes in calcium concentrations. Neurite outgrowth was only observed in calcium-permeabilized cells when extracellular calcium concentrations were between 200 and 300 nM, and changes as small as 50 nM commonly produced detectable changes in behavior. Furthermore, low doses of cytochalasins mimicked all of the grossly observable features of growth cone responses to elevation of intracellular calcium, including the apparent preferential destruction of lamellipodial actin filaments and sparing of filopodial actin, suggesting that the behavioral effects of calcium elevation could be explained by loss of actin filaments alone. The effects of cAMP elevation and protein kinase C activation on growth cone behavior, ultrastructure, and fura2-AM-measured calcium levels indicated that the effects of cAMP manipulations could be partially explained by a cAMP-induced lowering of growth cone calcium levels and concomitant increased stabilization of actin filaments, but protein kinase C appeared to act through an independent mechanism.

Ultrastructure of individual neurons isolated from avian retina: occurrence of microtubule loops in dendrites

To investigate the cytoskeletal organization of neurons differentiating in vivo, we developed a procedure for isolating single arborized chick retina neurons, using papain and EGTA, and examining their structure in whole mounts. Ultrastructure of neurite tips and many regions along the neurite could be examined in detail in these preparations. Twenty to 25 nm linear elements which made tight 180 degree turns and returned to the original neurite were commonly observed in both detergent-extracted and intact whole mounts. The looped structures were identified as microtubules using antibodies to chick brain tubulin. Microtubule loops were prevalent in neurites at all ages examined, embryonic day 7-10 days post-hatch (E7-P10), but loops increased in frequency from being present in 24% of E7 neurites to 64% of E16 neurites. Often several neurites from the same cell contained microtubule loops, implying that at least some neurites with microtubule loops were dendrites.

Evidence that calcium may control neurite outgrowth by regulating the stability of actin filaments

We investigated the effects of calcium removal and calcium ionophores on the behavior and ultrastructure of cultured chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons to identify possible mechanisms by which calcium might regulate neurite outgrowth. Both calcium removal and the addition of calcium ionophores A23187 or ionomycin blocked outgrowth in previously elongating neurites, although in the case of calcium ionophores, changes in growth cone shape and retraction of neurites were also observed. Treatment with calcium ionophores significantly increased growth cone calcium. The ability of the microtubule stabilizing agent taxol to block A23187-induced neurite retraction and the ability of the actin stabilizing agent phalloidin to reverse both A23187-induced growth cone collapse and neurite retraction suggested that calcium acted on the cytoskeleton. Whole mount electron micrographs revealed an apparent disruption of actin filaments in the periphery (but not filopodia) of growth cones that were exposed to calcium ionophores in medium with normal calcium concentrations. This effect was not seen in cells treated with calcium ionophores in calcium-free medium or cells treated with the monovalent cation ionophore monensin, indicating that these effects were calcium specific. Ultrastructure of Triton X-100 extracted whole mounts further indicated that both microtubules and microfilaments may be more stable or extraction resistant after treatments which lower intracellular calcium. Taken together, the data suggest that calcium may control neurite elongation at least in part by regulating actin filament stability, and support a model for neurite outgrowth involving a balance between assembly and disassembly of the cytoskeleton.

D1-Type Dopamine Receptors Inhibit Growth Cone Motility in Cultured Retina Neurons: Evidence that Neurotransmitters Act as Morphogenic Growth Regulators in the Developing Central Nervous System

Precedent exists for the early development and subsequent down-regulation of neurotransmitter receptor systems in the vertebrate central nervous system, but the function of such embryonic receptors has not been established. Here we show that stimulation of early-developing dopamine receptors in avian retina cells greatly inhibits the motility of neuronal growth cones. Neurons from embryonic chicken retinas were cultured in low-density monolayers, and their growth cones were observed with phase-contrast or video-enhanced-contrast-differential-interference-contrast (VEC-DIC) microscopy. Approximately 25% of the neurons responded to micromolar dopamine with a rapid reduction in filopodial activity followed by a flattening of growth cones and retraction of neurites. The response occurred at all ages examined (embryonic day-8 retinal neurons cultured on polylysine-coated coverslips for 1-7 days), although neurite retraction was greatest in younger cultures. Effects of dopamine on growth cone function could be reversed by haloperidol or (+)-SCH 23390, whereas forskolin elicited a response similar to dopamine; these data show the response was receptor-mediated, acting through a D1-type system, and are consistent with the use of cAMP as a second messenger. The experiments provide strong support for the hypothesis that neurotransmitters, besides mediating transynaptic signaling in the adult, may have a role in neuronal differentiation as growth regulators.

D1-type dopamine receptors inhibit growth cone motility in cultured retina neurons: evidence that neurotransmitters act as morphogenic growth regulators in the developing central nervous system

Precedent exists for the early development and subsequent down-regulation of neurotransmitter receptor systems in the vertebrate central nervous system, but the function of such embryonic receptors has not been established. Here we show that stimulation of early-developing dopamine receptors in avian retina cells greatly inhibits the motility of neuronal growth cones. Neurons from embryonic chicken retinas were cultured in low-density monolayers, and their growth cones were observed with phase-contrast or video-enhanced-contrast-differential-interference-contrast (VEC-DIC) microscopy. Approximately 25% of the neurons responded to micromolar dopamine with a rapid reduction in filopodial activity followed by a flattening of growth cones and retraction of neurites. The response occurred at all ages examined (embryonic day-8 retinal neurons cultured on polylysine-coated coverslips for 1-7 days), although neurite retraction was greatest in younger cultures. Effects of dopamine on growth cone function could be reversed by haloperidol or (+)-SCH 23390, whereas forskolin elicited a response similar to dopamine; these data show the response was receptor-mediated, acting through a D1-type system, and are consistent with the use of cAMP as a second messenger. The experiments provide strong support for the hypothesis that neurotransmitters, besides mediating transynaptic signaling in the adult, may have a role in neuronal differentiation as growth regulators.

Differentiation of neuronal growth cones: specialization of filopodial tips for adhesive interactions

Adhesive contacts made by filopodia of developing neurons are important in neurite growth and in the formation of synaptic junctions. In the present work, filopodial interactions of cultured chicken retina neurons were studied by using video-enhanced contrast, differential interference contrast (VEC-DIC) microscopy and the high-voltage electron microscope (HVEM). Use of the HVEM to examine whole mounts of fixed cells showed that filopodia in older cultures developed an appearance that might be expected of nascent synapses, becoming enlarged at their endings and accumulating organelles resembling synaptic vesicles. VEC-DIC microscopy, used to observe the motility and adhesive properties of filopodia in living cells, showed there was a particularly high affinity between filopodia tips. Contacting filopodia typically repositioned themselves so they could attach at a tip-to-tip position, occasionally bending as much as 90 degrees to achieve this preferred orientation. Interacting filopodia frequently remained together as they pushed or pulled on each other, moved laterally together, or stretched tightly and underwent intense vibratory movements. Such linked motility occurred even when apparent gaps existed between the filopodia. Examination of these gaps with the HVEM revealed filamentous structures linking the apposed membranes. The filamentous links were 10-13 nm in diameter and 30-100 nm long. Although it has not yet been established that the filaments reflect the native configuration of the interconnecting materials, the structures seem likely to be associated with the strongly adhesive behavior of the filopodial tips. The possible significance of these structural and functional properties of filopodia tips to axon growth and synapse formation is discussed.

Novel organization of microtubules in cultured central nervous system neurons: formation of hairpin loops at ends of maturing neurites

Using the high voltage electron microscope, we have examined cultured embryonic neurons in order to understand better the organization of microtubules in developing neurites. We found that, in embryonic chick retina neurons, microtubules were abundant in the ends of neurites and showed an unusual pattern of organization. Most striking was the presence of microtubule loops; after entering the flattened region of a growth cone, microtubules frequently made tight 180 degrees turns. Occasionally these looping microtubules re-entered the neurite and returned in the direction of the cell body. Positive identification of the loop structures as microtubules was made by specific immunocytochemical labeling. Quantitative analysis showed that more than half of the retina neurons that were dissociated on embryonic day 8 and kept in culture for 4 to 6 days (E8C4 and E8C6) contained at least one microtubule that made a 180 degrees turn at flat regions along or at the tips of neurites. The area within the loops typically contained larger membranous organelles, whereas only small vesicles were seen outside the loops. Fine filaments were seen to interconnect the loops at various places, suggesting the possibility that they played a role in maintaining the shape of microtubule loops. Examination of other neurons showed that tight microtubule loops were prominent in chick spinal cord neurons, but they were rarely seen in neurons of the sympathetic ganglia or dorsal root ganglia or in NG108-15 cloned cells. Developmentally, no loops were observed in E8C1 retina neurons, but retina neurons dissociated from older embryos (12 days) did show loops after 1 day in culture; these data suggest that microtubule loops may be abundant around embryonic day 12 to 13 in the chick retina. The possible significance of this unusual microtubule organization to the control of neurite growth and bidirectional transport is discussed.