Migratory cell locomotion versus nerve axon elongation: differences based on the effects of lanthanum ion.

The effects of lanthanum ions (La(+++)) on the locomotion and adhesion of g lial cells and elongating nerve axons are reported. La(+++) increases adhesion of both glia and of nerve growth cones to a plastic substratum. La(+++) also markedly reduces glia locomotion, but it does not inhibit nerve elongation. Electron-opaque deposits are seen on the cell surface and within cytoplasmic vesicles of glia and nerves cultured in a La(+++)-containing medium. Possible modes of action for La(+++) are discussed, particularly the possibilities that Ca(++) fluxes or Ca(++) involvement in adhesion are altered by La(+++). The results are consistent with the hypothesis that cell migration and nerve axon elongation differ in mechanism, with respect to both adhesive interactions and the activity of microfilament systems.