Development
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Programmed cell death is a normal aspect of neuronal development. Typically, twice as many neurons are generated than survive. In extreme cases, all neurons within a population disappear during embryogenesis or by early stages of postnatal development. ⋯ Both the mao mutation and pharmacological blockade of Na+ current reduced these signatures of the cell death program. Moreover, the mao mutation and pharmacological blockade of Na+ current produced similar reductions in Rohon-Beard cell death. The results indicate that electrical activity provides signals that are required for the normal elimination of Rohon-Beard cells.