Strain dependent channel activation in cultured neurons

To determine the cellular response to mechanical strain, we have developed an in vitro device that allows us to monitor changes in individual cells under a microscope prior to and following a mechanical stretch. Previous data showed the rise in cytosolic calcium caused by a single mechanical stretch falls into three groups based on the applied strain and onset rate of strain. In the current study, we have treated NTera-2N neuronal cells with MK-801 (an NMDA channel blocker) to determine the contribution of NMDA channels to the intracellular calcium transient seen following mechanical stretch with a 205 ms onset time. Data shows that the calcium response is attenuated only at high strains, showing that the NMDA receptor is a primary mechanism of Ca²⁺ influx at this stimulation level