Ultrastructural localization of actin in the cell body of rat spinal ganglion neurons.

We used phalloidin staining and immunocytochemistry at the light and electron microscope level to determine the localization of actin in the cell bodies of rat spinal ganglion neurons. The results show that actin is mostly concentrated along the periphery of the neuronal perikaryon, including the perikaryal projections. This localization places actin in a strategic position to be influenced by incoming signals and to produce mechanical tensions able to shape the perikaryal surface.