The Growth Cones of Living Neurons Probed by the Atomic Force Microscope

The role played by indentation in the making of images and force-versus-distance curves is critically discussed. As a result, the thickness of growth cone regions is quantitatively estimated. By comparing the obtained images with descriptions given in the literature on the basis of other microscopy techniques, a central (C) region and a peripheral (P) region are identified, characterized by a different thickness and a different structural organization. Moreover, clusters of adhesion molecules are tentatively identified in regions where neuron arborizations were challenged by the atomic force microscope (AFM) tip.