Action potentials pass severed earthworm MGA segments reconnected by laser and electric field pulses.

Active and passive electrical signals transmit across the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) medial giant axon (MGA) segment after reconnection induced by laser and electric field pulses. Laser pulses of 308 nm, 15 ns pulse duration, and pulse energy 5-50 microJ in the objective plane induced axon reconnection in 12 of 133 (9%) preparations. Electric field pulses of 200-800 V, 100 microseconds duration, induced axon reconnection in 15 of 188 (8%) preparations. Electrical continuity is possible after the reconnection of severed axons induced by laser and electric field pulses.