Figure 3.

Encapsulated NGF elevates the neurite growth rate. (a) Average neurite length and the estimated outgrowth rate in control conditions and in the presence of encapsulated NGF for local (<50 µm away from capsules) and non-local (>50 µm away) cells, as indicated. (b) A snapshot of a pyramidal-like hippocampal neuron at 24 h, with the growth trajectory of its main neurites directed by the clusters of NGF-releasing capsules (blue arrows; TRITC microcapsule labelling). Image, merged DIC and TRITC fluorescence channels (grey-level). (c) Statistical summary of the total (sum) neurite length (left) and mean neurite length (right) per individual neuron, at 24 h post-plating in control cultures and in the presence of encapsulated NGF. Dots, individual cell data; bars, mean ± s.e.m; numbers of analysed cells shown; ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.005 (two-tailed unpaired t-test); ordinate, log scale.