Neuromechanics of Mammalian Cortical Neurons

Recent studies have shown that neuronal activity is modulated by mechanical stimuli. To study this phenomenon quantitatively, we mechanically stimulate rat cortical neurons by shear stress and indentation. Stimulated by either approach, neurons show two distinct responses, which classify as transient or sustained. Transient responses display fast kinetics similar to spontaneous neuronal activity, whereas sustained responses last several minutes...