Effects of imaging conditions on mitochondrial transport and length in larval motor axons of Drosophila

Kathryn Louie, Gary J. Russo, David B. Salkoff, Andrea Wellington, Konrad E. Zinsmaier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

The distribution of mitochondria is sensitive to physiological stresses and changes in metabolic demands. Consequently, it is important to carefully define the conditions facilitating live imaging of mitochondrial transport in dissected animal preparations. In this study, we examined Schneider's and the haemolymph-like solutions HL3 and HL6 for their suitability to image mitochondrial transport in motor axons of dissected Drosophila melanogaster larvae. Overall, mitochondrial transport kinetics in larval motor axons appeared similar among all three solutions. Unexpectedly, HL3 solution selectively increased the length of mitochondria in the context of the net-direction of transport. We also found that mitochondrial transport is sensitive to the extracellular Ca2+ but not glutamate concentration. High concentrations of extracellular glutamate affected only the ratio between motile and stationary mitochondria. Our study offers a valuable overview of mitochondrial transport kinetics in larval motor axons of Drosophila under various conditions, guiding future studies genetically dissecting mechanisms of mitochondrial transport.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-172
Number of pages14
JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology - A Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Volume151
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Axonal transport
  • Calcium
  • Drosophila
  • Live imaging
  • Mitochondria

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Aquatic Science
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of imaging conditions on mitochondrial transport and length in larval motor axons of Drosophila'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this