Preferential adhesion of brain astrocytes to laminin and central neurites to astrocytes.

Astrocytes from either fetal or newborn rat brain adhered preferentially to surfaces coated with active laminin. Neurites from septal neurons did not show a preference for active over inactive laminin. However, when given a choice between laminin and an astrocytic surface, septal cells preferred to extend neurites over astroglial processes. Hence, laminin paths can guide astrocyte migration, which, in turn, can guide neurite elongation.