Effects of mechanical pressure on microtubules in DRG neurons βIII-tubulin.

<p>The expression of βIII-tubulin was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. There were no significant changes in control cells (A) or control+PD150606–treated cells over time (B). Cells subjected to 0.5 MPa of pressure for 30 min (C) showed retraction or collapse of neurites, coincident with a decrease in the expression of βIII-tubulin. However, in cells subjected to 0.5 MPa of pressure and treatment with PD150606 (D), the collapse of neurites as indicated by decreased βIII-tubulin was reduced, and βIII-tubulinexpression was significantly higher when compared with cells treated with 0.5 MPa of pressure without PD150606. All experiments were repeated at least three times.