Fast and slow components of axoplasmic transport in the hypoglossal and vagus nerves of the rabbit

Abstract

Summary The axonal transport of labelled proteins was studied in vagus and hypoglossal nerves of rabbits after an intramedullary injection of [ 3 H]leucine. Two migrating protein components were described. The rapid component moved at a rate of about 400 mm/day and 300 mm/day and the slow component at an average rate of 26 mm/day and 5 mm/day in the vagus and hypoglossal nerve respectively. Cell fractionation studies of the nerves showed that the rapidly migrating component was largely associated with the particulate fraction with the highest specific radioactivity in the microsomal fraction. In the slow component the highest specific activity was found in the soluble protein fraction. The effect of Triton-X-100 on the subcellular distribution was discussed.