Demonstration and localization of synapsin I in vestibular receptors in the cat: immunocytochemical study

The presence and localization of synapsin I, a neuron-specific phosphoprotein, was investigated in the cat vestibular epithelium, using a rabbit antisynapsin I anti-serum. The staining was performed by immunofluorescence or by a peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique. A strong immunoreactivity was observed with both methods. This immunoreactivity appeared as spherical patches distributed in the lower part of the epithelium. This distribution pattern is very similar to that of the efferent synaptic endings which form axodendritic synapses with the afferent nerve chalice of type I hair cells, or axosomatic synapses with type II hair cells. Some of the nerve chalices were also labelled; in this case, the immunoreactivity was more evident with PAP staining. These results thus suggest the presence of large amounts of synapsin I in the vestibular efferent nerve endings. These endings are known to be filled with numerous synaptic vesicles. This localization of synapsin I is well correlated with previous work that report a close association between synapsin I and small synaptic vesicles. The presence of synapsin I in sensory endings such as the afferent nerve chalices was unexpected and is under investigation.     

Are there efferent synapses in fish taste buds?

In fish, nerve fibers of taste buds are organized within the bud's nerve fiber plexus. It is located between the sensory epithelium consisting of light and dark elongated cells and the basal cells. It comprises the basal parts and processes of light and dark cells that intermingle with nerve fibers, which are the dendritic endings of the taste sensory neurons belonging to the cranial nerves VII, IX or X. Most of the synapses at the plexus are afferent; they have synaptic vesicles on the light (or dark) cells side, which is presynaptic. In contrast, the presumed efferent synapses may be rich in synaptic vesicles on the nerve fibers (presynaptic) side, whereas the cells (postsynaptic) side may contain a subsynaptic cistern; a flat compartment of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This structure is regarded as a prerequisite of a typical efferent synapse, as occurring in cochlear and vestibular hair cells. In fish taste buds, efferent synapses are rare and were found only in a few species that belong to different taxa. The significance of efferent synapses in fish taste buds is not well understood, because efferent connections between the gustatory nuclei of the medulla with taste buds are not yet proved.     

Prenatal development of "synaptic" ribbons in the guinea pig pineal gland

Pineal "synaptic" ribbons are a heterogeneous population of organelles. "Synaptic" ribbons (SR) sensu stricto, "synaptic" spherules (SS), and intermediate forms (IMF) are present. Their function and origin are unknown, and a knowledge of their prenatal development is lacking. Thus the pineal glands of prenatal, neonatal, and adult guinea pigs were prepared for electron microscopy. "Synaptic" ribbons were studied morphologically and quantitatively. The three categories of "synaptic" ribbons reported in adult pineal glands were also present in prenatal pineal glands. Their structural features, distribution, grouping, and composition patterns are similar to those in adults. "Synaptic" ribbons were first detected in pinealocytes of the distal region of a 42-day postcoitus (PC) pineal gland and were comparable with those in adults. They increased in number with age and reached a peak at 63 days PC, followed by a steep decline at 66 and 67 days PC. By day 69 PC, the numbers increased again and showed a dramatic increase after birth. Several true ribbon synapses were seen at day 63 PC between pinealocyte cell processes or between pinealocyte cell process and pinealocyte cell body. Since true ribbon synapses have not been found in adult guinea pig pinealocytes, their synaptic nature could have been lost during development. No precursors for the "synaptic" ribbons were found. The endoplasmic reticulum cisternae may be the origin for the ribbon vesicles because of their close association with the "synaptic" ribbons.     

Ultrastructure of the lateral-line sense organs of the ratfish,Chimaera monstrosa

Summary The ultrastructure of the lateral-line neuromasts in the ratfish, Chimaera monstrosa is described. The neuromasts rest at the bottom of open grooves and consist of sensory, supporting, basal and mantle cells. Each sensory cell is equipped with sensory hairs consisting of a single kinocilium and several stereocilia. There are several types of sensory hair arrangement, and cells with a particular arrangement form patches within the neuromast. There are two types of afferent synapse. The most common afferent synapse has a presynaptic body and is typically associated with an extensive system of anastomosing tubules on the presynaptic side. When the tubules are absent, vesicles surround the presynaptic body. These synapses are often associated into synaptic fields, containing up to 35 synaptic sites. The second type of afferent synapse does not have a presynaptic body and is not associated with the tubular system. The afferent synapses of the second type do not form synaptic fields and are uncommon. The efferent synapses are either associated with a postsynaptic sac or more commonly with a strongly osmiophilic postsynaptic membrane. The accessory cells are similar to those in the acoustico-lateralis organs of other aquatic vertebrates. A possibility of movement of the presynaptic bodies and of involvement of the tubular system in the turnover of the transmitter is discussed. A comparison of the hair tuft types in the neuromasts of Ch. monstrosa with those in the labyrinth of the goldfish and of the frog is attempted.     

Quantitative studies of postnatal changes in synapses in rat superficial motor cerebral cortex

Summary Quantitation of synapses at different postnatal ages has been undertaken in the cerebral cortex of the rat. In this study axial ratios of presynaptic bags, proportion of cortex occupied by presynaptic bags and numbers of synapses per unit volume of cortex have been estimated. Observations on synaptic vesicle packing densities have also been made.Synaptic bags become increasingly spherical up to 7 days of age and become more elongated thereafter. The proportion of cortex occupied by presynaptic bags increases rapidly up to 7 days of age and then at a decelerated rate up to maturity. The number of synapses per unit volume increases slowly over the first four days after which there is a rapid increase to 14 days, followed by a decelerated rate.The average presynaptic bag shows marked changes in volume with increasing age which indicate the probability of two stages of synaptic development. This two stage development is further reflected in the estimates on vesicle packing densities. The implications of the results are discussed in relationship to changes in functional activity of the cortex during postnatal development.The authors wish to express their thanks to Mr. R. Birchenough and Mr. J. Manston for much technical assistance.     

Ultrastructural organization of the synapses in ganglia of the hen intestinal nerve under various conditions of its activity

The interneuronal connections in ganglia of the caudal part of the hen intestinal nerve of Remak are presented as axodendritic and axosomatic synapses and symmetric axo-axonal, dendro-dendritic and axodendritic contacts, often forming complicated complexes. Under conditions of preliminary decentralization or under certain disturbances of nervous connections with the intestine, a part of synapses remains, and a part of them degenerates, this demonstrates participation of peripheral afferent neurons in formation of the synaptic apparatus of the ganglia mentioned. The axonal terminals differentiate by composition of the synaptic vesicles: some contain mainly light agranular vesicles, others--a large amount of granular ones. The characteristic peculiarities of the hen intestinal nerve ganglia, in contrast to analogous mammalian ganglia, are abundant axosomatic synapses in some neurons, and presynaptic terminals, containing a large number of granular vesicles.     

Distribution of synaptic boutons in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus of the rat--a quantitative electron-microscopical study.

The distribution of synapses and synaptic bouton types in the mesencephalic trigeminal (Me5) nucleus was examined in a quantitative electron-microscopical study. Of 588 terminal boutons that were counted in the compact caudal part of the Me5 nucleus, less than 8% formed synapses on the somata of the predominantly unipolar Me5 neurons. About 79% formed synapses on fibres located between the Me5 somata, while about 13% of the vesicle-containing terminals had no clear synaptic specialization. All of these non-synaptic terminals were G type boutons, with pleomorphic and large characteristic dense-core vesicles. Approximately 60% of the axosomatic synapses were of the S type, containing spherical vesicles and an asymmetrical or symmetrical synaptic specialization. About 20, respectively 15% of the axosomatic synapses, were of the F, respectively P type; both are symmetrical synapse types containing either a majority of flat or pleomorphic vesicles. Less than 10% of the axosomatic synapses were of the G type. Although some proportional differences were noted, an almost similar bouton type distribution pattern was found for the axodendritic synapses suggesting that the axosomatic and axodendritic synapses in the Me5 nucleus are part of the same afferent fibre plexus covering the Me5 nucleus.     

Developmental changes in synaptic formation in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of female rats

Summary The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARCN) of female rats at 5, 20, 45 and 90 days of age was examined ultrastructurally. Axodendritic and axosomatic synapses were counted in 18,000 m² area of the ARCN in each brain. Axodendritic and axosomatic synapses in the ARCN of day 5 rats were very small in number. Axon terminals contained small spherical vesicles (SSVs, 40–60 nm in diameter). Occasionally large granular vesicles (LGVs, 75–130 nm in diameter) were found to coexist with SSVs in the endings. Pre- and postsynaptic membranes were thin. The ARCN at this age exhibited a large extracellular space which decreased with advancing age. In day 20 rats, axodendritic and axosomatic synapses increased in number up to about one-half of those of day 45 or day 90 animals. Synaptic vesicles increased in number and mitochondria were frequently encountered in the axon terminals. Pre- and postsynaptic membranes became thicker than those of day 5 rats. Further increase in the number of axodendritic and axosomatic synapses in the ARCN of day 45 rats was observed, and there were no significant difference in the morphology and incidence of synapses between day 45 and day 90 rats. Synaptic vesicles were numerous and pre- and postsynaptic membranes were thick. In tissue incubated with 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OH-DA) before fixation, small granular vesicles (SGVs, about 50 nm in diameter) which were labeled with 5-OH-DA were detected in a certain number of endings in all material taken from each age group, but the incidence of synapses containing SGVs was usually low. From these results, it can be proposed that an increase in the number of synapses in the ARCN is correlated with functional maturation of the ARC neurons. Acknowledgements. The authors wish to thank Prof. T. Kojima, Nihon University, for valuable suggestions during the initial stage of this study. This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of Education of Japan     

Ultrastructure and morphometric parameters of glutamatergic synapses on nigrothalamic and unidentified neurons of the reticular zone of theSubstantia nigra in cats

Nigrothalamic neurons were identified into thesubstantia nigra by their retrograde labelling with horseradish peroxidase. Axon terminals that contain glutamate (the excitatory transmitter) were revealed immunocytochemically with an immunogold electron microscopic technique. Ultrastructural parameters (the large and small diameters of axon terminals, area of their profiles, coefficient of form of profiles, large and small diameters of synaptic vesicles) were analyzed in all 240 synapses under study. Synaptic contacts localized on both nigrothalamic and unidentified neurons belonged to three morphologically specific groups. Synapses of the groups I and III, according to classification by Rinvik and Grofova, were characterized by a symmetric type of synaptic contact and contained polymorphic synaptic vesicles. Contacts in group-II synapses were asymmetric, and respective terminals contained round vesicles. Among the studied synapses, 65.8% were classified as group-I contacts, 25.0% belonged to group II, and 9.2% belonged to group III. Glutamate-positive axon terminals formed predominantly group-II synapses; such connections constituted 70% of this group's synapses. Sixty percent of glutamate-positive synapses were localized on the distal dendrites and 23% on the proximal dendrites, while 17% of such synapses were distributed on the somata of nigral neurons. Such a pattern of distribution of glutamate-positive synapses was observed on both nigrothalamic and unidentified nigral neurons. About 7% of glutamate-positive synapses were formed by very large axon terminals containing round synaptic vesicles; yet, the contacts of these terminals were of a symmetric type. Twenty percent of group-I synapses, i.e., synapses considered inhibitory connections, were found to manifest a weak immune reaction to glutamate.Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 28, No. 6, pp. 285–295, November–December, 1996.     

Depolarization redistributes synaptic membrane and creates a gradient of vesicles on the synaptic body at a ribbon synapse

We used electron tomography of frog saccular hair cells to reconstruct presynaptic ultrastructure at synapses specialized for sustained transmitter release. Synaptic vesicles at inhibited synapses were abundant in the cytoplasm and covered the synaptic body at high density. Continuous maximal stimulation depleted 73% of the vesicles within 800 nm of the synapse, with a concomitant increase in surface area of intracellular cisterns and plasmalemmal infoldings. Docked vesicles were depleted 60%-80% regardless of their distance from the active zone. Vesicles on the synaptic body were depleted primarily in the hemisphere facing the plasmalemma, creating a gradient of vesicles on its surface. We conclude that formation of new synaptic vesicles from cisterns is rate limiting in the vesicle cycle.     

Ultrastructure of synapses with different transmitter-releasing characteristics on motor axon terminals of a crab,Hyas areneas

Synaptic terminals on branches of an excitatory motor axon in a spider crab (Hyas areneas) were examined by electron microscopy to determine whether differences in size, structure, and number of synapses could be correlated with differences in transmitter release. Terminals releasing relatively large amounts of transmitter during low frequencies of nerve impulses ("high-output" terminals) had larger synapses, more prominent presynaptic dense bodies (active zones), and fewer synapses per unit length than terminals releasing relatively small amounts of transmitter ("low-output" terminals). Neither the difference in synaptic area, nor the quantitative differences in the active zones, were sufficient in themselves to explain the difference in synaptic efficacy, and it is postulated that a non-linear relationship may exist between structural features of the synapse and release of transmitter by a nerve impulse, and that differences other than those apparent from the ultrastructure could be involved. Greater facilitation at low-output terminals with high frequencies of nerve impulses may be due to greater reserves of "immediately available" transmitter, and to recruitment or activation of more individual synaptic contacts.     

Morphological and fine structural features of the basilar papilla in ambystomatid salamanders (Amphibia; Caudata)

The morphology and fine structure of the basilar recess and basilar papilla were investigated in four species of salamanders from the family Ambystomatidae. The otic relationships of the recess and papilla to the proximal part of the lagena and saccule are described, and new terminology is suggested for the periotic relationships of the basilar recess to a diverticulum of an intracapsular periotic sac. The basilar papilla consists of supporting cells united laterally by gap junctions, capped by microvilli uniformly arranged around a short, central cilium, and hair cells that typically show several synapses with a single afferent nerve fiber, each marked by a rounded synaptic body surrounded by vesicles. In contrast to anuran basilar papillae, efferent nerve terminals were observed in synapse with hair cells and, rarely, upon afferent fibers. The distal half of the ambystomatid papilla contained hair cells capped by tall ciliary bundles, with kinocilia that show swellings near their tips with delicate attachments to adjacent tall stereocilia. A tectorial body covers only this region of the papilla. Hair cells with shorter stereocilia, situated in the proximal half and at the papillar margins, are related only to filamentous extensions of the tectorial body. The ambystomatid basilar recess and papilla are compared to auditory end-organs in other vertebrates, and it is suggested that a basic distinction can be made between aural neuroepithelia in amniotes versus that in nonamniotic vertebrate ears.     

Inhibition and efferent facilitation of sensory activity in the isolated labyrinth of the frog

The functioning modalities of the efferent system were analysed in the isolated frog labyrinth. The efferent synapses of the posterior canal were activated via an axon reflex by antidromic electrical shocks (10-200 Hz) applied for increasing times (250 ms-10 s) to the anterior-horizontal nerves. Either decrease (inhibition) or increase (facilitation) in the resting discharge rate were observed in the majority of the units examined. Inhibition and facilitation, however, are peculiar to any given unit since inhibition does not reverse to facilitation or vice-versa. This fact as well as the long response latency (not less than 10 ms) and the linear dependence of both effects on the stimulation frequency suggest that inhibition and facilitation are due to the repetitive activation of two different types of efferent fibres synapsing on the hair cells. The drastic modifications in the afferent synaptic discharge produced by full activation of the efferent system indicate that the static properties (response asymmetry) as well as the dynamic properties (response adaptation) of the mechanically driven afferent response can be substantially controlled by the central nervous system at the receptor level.     

A study on the fine structure of the saccular macula of the gold fish

Summary The fine structure of the saccular macula of the gold fish has been studied by means of the electron microscope.The sensory epithelium of the macula consists of sensory cells and supporting cells. The surface of the sensory cell is studded with a group of sensory hairs consisting of one kino-cilium and 50–60 stereocilia. In the dorsal half of the macula, the kino-cilium is located at the dorsal end of the sensory hair group. In the ventral half of the macula, the kino-cilium is located at the ventral end of the sensory hair group. In the intermediary portion of the macula, the sensory cells with opposite polarities are situated side-by-side. The relation between the microphonic potential and the position of the kino-cilium has been discussed.Two types of nerve terminals are found situated on the basal surface of the receptor cells. The one contains no synaptic vesicle and the other contains a cluster of synaptic vesicles and a few cored vesicles. It is considered that the former corresponds to the afferent nerve terminal and the latter to the efferent one.This investigation was supported by NIH Grant NB-06052.The author is very grateful to Prof. Taro Furukawa, Osaka City University for his invaluable advice and discussion.     

Electron microscopic examination of the orexin immunoreactivity in the dorsal raphe nucleus

The ultrastructure and the synaptic relationships of the orexin-A-like immunoreactive fibers in the dorsal raphe nucleus were examined with an immunoelectron microscopic method. At the electron microscopic level, most of the immunoreactive fibers, a varicosity appearance at the light microscopic level, were found as axon terminals. The large dense-cored vesicles contained in the immunoreactive axon terminals were the most intensely immunostained organellae. These axon terminals were often found to make synapses. While the axo-dendritic synapses were usually asymmetric in appearance, the axo-somatic synapses were symmetric. Orexin-A-like immunoreactive processes with no synaptic vesicles were also found. These processes often received asymmetric synapses. With less frequency, the synapses were found between the orexin-like immunoreactive processes. The results suggest that the orexin peptides are stored in the large dense-cored vesicles; the orexin-containing fibers may have influences on the physiological activities of the dorsal raphe nucleus through direct synaptic relationships.     

Efferent fibers innervate gustatory and mechanosensitive afferent fibers in frog fungiform papillae

A possibility of efferent innervation of gustatory and mechanosensitive afferent fiber endings was studied in frog fungiform papillae with a suction electrode. The amplitude of antidromic impulses in a papillary afferent fiber induced by antidromically stimulating an afferent fiber of glossopharyngeal nerve (GPN) with low voltage pulses was inhibited for 40 s after the parasympathetic efferent fibers of GPN were stimulated orthodromically with high voltage pulses at 30 Hz for 10 s. This implies that electrical positivity of the outer surface of papillary afferent membrane was reduced by the efferent fiber-induced excitatory postsynaptic potential. The inhibition of afferent responses in the papillae was blocked by substance P receptor blocker, L-703,606, indicating that substance P is probably released from the efferent fiber terminals. Slow negative synaptic potential, which corresponded to a slow depolarizing synaptic potential, was extracellularly induced in papillary afferent terminals for 45 s by stimulating the parasympathetic efferent fibers of GPN with high voltage pulses at 30 Hz for 10 s. This synaptic potential was also blocked by L-703,606. These data indicate that papillary afferent fiber endings are innervated by parasympathetic efferent fibers.     

The role of the synaptic vesicles in transmission at the insect nerve-muscle junction

The ultrastructure of nerve-muscle synapses on red and white fibres of locust ($\text{Schistocerca}$$\text{gregaria}$) retractor unguis muscle fibres was examined before and after stimulation. At a stimulation frequency of 15Hz, the synapses on the white fibres fatigued completely; those on the red fibres also fatigued, but during prolonged stimulation they showed intermittent periods of recovery. Synaptic vesicles at both types of fatigued synapses were reduced in volume compared with controls and at fatigued synapses on white fibres the vesicles had irregular outlines. Aggregation of vesicles were observed at fatigued synapses on red fibres and the synaptic cleft width at these synapses was less than at control synapses on red fibres. These results are discussed in the light of the vesicle hypothesis for synaptic transmission.     

Synaptic ribbons during postnatal development of the pineal gland in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Summary Synaptic ribbons, functionally enigmatic structures of mammalian pinealocytes, were studied during the postnatal development of the pineal gland in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). On day 4 post partum, synaptic ribbons appear in cells that have already started to differentiate into pinealocytes. Between days 4 and 9, an increase in the number of synaptic ribbons occurs, concomitant with the continuing differentiation of the pineal tissue. Between days 9 and 16, when differentiation of this tissue is almost completed, the number of synaptic ribbons decreases and approaches that characteristic of the adult pineal gland. During development, the synaptic ribbons increase in length, and dense core vesicles are frequently found in the vicinity of these structures. It is assumed that a functional relationship exists between dense core vesicles and the synaptic ribbons, which are considered to be engaged in a certain form of secretory activity of the mammalian pineal gland.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

A survey of the cytology and synaptic organization of the insular trigeminal-cuneatus lateralis nucleus in the rat, including an identification of spinal afferent inputs

The cytology and synaptic organization of the insular trigeminal-cuneatus lateralis (iV-Cul) nucleus was examined in the rat. In addition, the ultrastructural morphology and synaptic connectivity of anterogradely labeled spinal afferent axons terminating in iV-Cul were examined following injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the cervical spinal cord. The uniformity of the ultrastructural features of iV-Cul neurons supports the presence of a homogeneous neuronal population. The most prominent feature of the iV-Cul neuropil is the presence of numerous interdigitating astrocytic processes, which extensively isolate neuronal somata and processes. iV-Cul contains a heterogeneous population of axonal endings that can be separated into three categories, depending upon whether they contain predominantly spherical-shaped agranular synaptic vesicles (R endings), predominantly pleomorphic-shaped agranular synaptic vesicles (P endings), or a heterogeneous population of dense-core vesicles (DC endings). The R endings represent the majority of axonal endings in iV-Cul and establish asymmetrical axodendritic and axospinous synaptic contacts, primarily along the distal portions of the dendritic tree. P endings establish symmetrical axosomatic, axodendritic, and axospinous synaptic contacts and exhibit a more generalized distribution along the somadendritic tree. DC terminals establish asymmetrical axodendritic synaptic contacts with distal dendritic processes and are the least frequently observed endings in the iV-Cul neuropil. Numerous synaptic glomeruli, exhibiting a single large central R bouton that establishes multiple axodendritic or axospinous synapses, characterize the iV-Cul neuropil. Axoaxonic synapses are conspicuously absent from the iV-Cul neuropil and glomeruli. The anterograde HRP labeling of spinal afferent axons that terminate in iV-Cul indicates that the terminals along these fibers are of the R type and that they are engaged predominantly in synaptic glomeruli. The results of this study indicate that the synaptic organization of iV-Cul is distinctly different from that of neighboring somatosensory nuclei, and supports the recent suggestion that this nucleus should be considered a separate precerebellar spinal relay nucleus in the lateral medulla.     

Disappearance of afferent and efferent nerve terminals in the inner ear of the chick embryo after chronic treatment with beta-bungarotoxin

Beta-Bungarotoxin(beta-BT) was applied to chick embryos at 3-day intervals beginning on the 4th day of incubation to see the effect of chronically and massively applied beta-BT, and to investigate the hair cell-nerve relationship in the developing inner ear by electron microscopy. On the 10th day of incubation, nerve terminals had achieved contact with differentiating hair cells, but the acoustico-vestibular ganglion cells of treated animals were decreased in number to one-third of those of the control. By the 14th day, most of the ganglion cells degenerated and disappeared, and only a few nerve terminals were seen in the neuroepithelium. At this time, most of the hair cells lacked synaptic contacts with nerve terminals; but their presynaptic specialization remained intact and they showed evidence of continuing differentiation. On the 17th day, the acoustico-vestibular ganglion cells were completely absent. All the hair cells were devoid of afferent and efferent innervation but were fully differentiated on the 21st day. Beta-BT was found to have a similar destructive effect on cultured spinal ganglion cells. The present study shows that beta-BT kills acoustico-vestibular and spinal nerve cells when applied chronically and massively during development. Furthermore, the differentiation of hair cells proceeds normally, and their presynaptic specializations are maintained when nerve terminals are absent during later developmental stages.