大鼠脊髓后角内神经降压素对一级传入C纤维突触前抑制效应的形态学证据(英文)

本研究的目的是为了揭示大鼠脊髓后角内的神经降压素是否对一级传入C纤维进行突触前调节,荧光显微镜下观察到,在脊髓Ⅰ－Ⅲ层内,和压素样免疫反应性（NTLI）的分布与来源于西非单豆素的同工凝集素Ⅰ－B4（Ⅰ－B）的结合位点到分布有部分重叠,在其聚集激光扫描显微镜下进一步观察显微镜下,在蛛网膜下腔注射辣椒素的大鼠脊髓后角浅层内,一些NTLI阳性终末与变性终末形成突触性和／或非突触性接触。以上结果表明,NT可通过轴轴突触和／或非突触性轴轴接触的一级传入C纤维的传入进行突触前抑制。此外,脊髓后角内还存在变性终末与含NTLI树突形成的轴树突触。     

猫丘脑腹后外侧核的超微结构

采用电镜技术观察了猫丘脑腹后外侧核的超微结构。该核内的神经元可分为大小两种类型，大型直径在１５—４０μｍ，小型小于１５μｍ，其胞质内容无明显差别。树突较多见，直径从１—１０μｍ不等。轴突可分为三种类型：含圆形小泡的小终末、终末及扁平小泡的终末。突触类型主要为轴树突触，此外还可见到轴体、轴轴、轴轴树、树树突触以及以树突为中心的突触复合体。在树突之间、树突与胞体之间还存在有非突触的丝状连接。     

大鼠脊髓胶状质含亮啡肽终末与辣椒素敏感的C纤维终末的超微联系

本文应用免疫电镜术观察到,在大鼠脊髓胶状质内,亮啡肽(LEK)阳性的轴突终末与某些未标记神经元的树突、或树突棘、或胞体形成突触。其中一些轴(LEK)树(未标记)突触为对称性的。因此。在胶状质内,LEK神经元可以突触后抑制方式影响其它神经元的活动。LEK终末之间的对称性轴轴突触提示LEK终末可能具有自身调节作用。我们也发现少量的LEK终末与由硬脊膜外注射辣椒泰所致的一级传入C纤维变性(DEG)终末之间也存在直接和间接联系。这些联系包括以下几种:(1)轴(DEG)→树(LEK)突触;(2)轴(LEK)→轴(DEG)突触样接触;(3)轴(DEG)→树(未标记)←轴(LEK)三联体。这些联系分别提示:(1)一级传入C纤维可直接兴奋胶状质内含LEK的中间神经元,这可能是LEK对痛信息传递进行负反馈调节的机制之一;(2)LEK通过轴轴突触对一级传入C纤维的活动进行突触前抑制的可能性不能排除;(3)LEK可通过对上述三联体中的未标记树突进行抑制来间接调节一级传入C纤维的传入信息。此外,由未标记轴突终末与变性终末所形成的轴轴突触的存在提示,胶状质内非亮啡肽神经元也可通过轴轴突触以突触前抑制影响一级传入C纤维的功能。     

脊髓胶状质内生长抑素免疫反应阳性结构与一级传入纤维之间的突触连接

本文用单纯免疫电镜及免疫电镜与溃变(后根切断术)相结合的方法,研究了一级传入纤维与脊髓胶状质内生长抑素(SOM)阳性结构之间的突触连结。结果在脊髓胶状质内观察到SOM阳性的胞体、轴突、树突及溃变的轴突,以上结构间形成了几种不同类型的突触连结:(1)Ⅰ型或Ⅱ型突触球的中央成份(CⅠ或CⅡ末梢)是溃变的或是SOM免疫反应阳性的,它们与周围的树突形成轴树突触、轴轴突触或树轴突触,其中有一些周围的树突还是SOM阳性的。(2)某些简单的轴突(不参与构成突触球的轴突)呈暗型溃变,并与SOM阳性的树突形成轴树突触。(3)简单的SOM阳性的致密型轴突与含SOM的树突或核周质形成轴树或轴体突触。(4)简单的SOM阳性的亮型轴突与含SOM的树突形成轴树突触。这些突触关系提示脊髓胶状质内SOM阳性树突和胞体可直接从一级传入纤维或脊髓后角固有神经元接受冲动,其中有一些一级传入纤维和脊髓后角固有神经元也是SOM阳性的。这表明在脊髓固有神经元与一级传入纤维之间及脊髓固有神经元本身都存在着自调节突触。本实验结果为SOM参与感觉信息的调节提供了超微结构证据。     

大鼠三叉神经尾侧亚核内SPR阳性神经元与初级传入和下行投射纤维之间的突触联系

用追踪和免疫电镜技术研究三叉神经尾侧亚核（Ｖｃ）内Ｐ物质受体（ＳＰＲ）阳性神经元与初级传入和下行投射之间的突触联系。光镜观察发现,在Ｖｃ浅层,ＳＰＲ阳性神经元的分布与ＲＭｇ下行投射终末的分布有重叠。电镜观察发现,三叉初级传入终末和ＳＰＲ阳性神经元树突形成非对称性轴树突触;ＲＭｇ下行投射终末与ＳＰＲ阳性神经元树突也形成非对称性轴树突触,提示ＲＭｇ下行投射纤维可能通过直接作用于丘脑投射神经元对三叉初级传入的伤害性信息进行调控。     

锌及锌转运蛋白ZnT3在小鼠海马苔藓纤维的一致性分布

目的 研究游离锌离子和锌转运蛋白ZnT3在小鼠海马的定位以及二的分布是否具有一致性。方法 应用锌TSQ荧光技术、锌金属自显影技术检测含锌神经元内的游离锌离子;应用免疫电镜技术检测ZnT3在含锌神经元轴突终末的分布。结果 游离锌离子和ZnT3免疫反应产物的分布在海马苔藓纤维内的分布具有一致性。在齿状回和CA3区的苔藓纤维内,锌和ZnT3蛋白定位于轴突终末的突触小泡。富含锌离子的含锌神经元轴突终末与CA3区锥体细胞的胞体和树突形成突触。尚可见锌离子存在于突触间隙内。结论 ZnT3向突触小泡内转运锌离子使锌离子聚积在含锌神经元轴突终末的突触小泡内,发挥锌离子的神经生物学功能。     

大鼠脊髓胶状质内GABA能神经元突触联系的超微结构研究

本文用免疫电镜方法对脊髓胶状质内ＧＡＢＡ能神经元的突触联系进行了超微结构研究。结果表明;脊髓胶状质内有许多ＧＡＢＡ能神经元胞体和末梢分布;标记的ＧＡＢＡ能神经末梢可作为突触前成分与未标记的ＧＡＢＡ形成输一树突触。未标记的末梢可与标记的ＧＡＢＡ末梢形成输一轴突触。此外,标记的ＧＡＢＡ能神经末梢还可作为突触前成分与标记的ＧＡＢＡ能轴突、树突或胞体形成输－轴、轴－树或轴－体突触,即自调节突触。上述结果揭示：ＧＡＢＡ能末梢可对脊髓胶状质内其它神经元产生抑制或脱抑制作用。值得注意的是胶状质内含ＧＡｎＡ的神经结构可形成各种形式的自调节突触,并借此实现其对脊髓功能的复杂调节。     

外周炎性刺激条件下大鼠脊髓背角PPE mRNA及L-ENK样品和μ阿片受体样阳性结构的变化

以鹿角菜胶（ＣＡＲ）注射到大鼠一侧后爪的足底皮下作为伤害性刺激模型,分别于ＣＡＲ刺激后６、１２ｈ和１、３ｄ处死动物,对照组动物仅将盐水注入一侧后爪足底皮下,用原位杂交法和免疫组织化学法观察前原脑啡肽（ＰＰＥ）ｍＲＮＡ阳性神经元、亮氨酸脑啡肽（Ｌ－ＥＮＫ）和μ阿片受体（ＭＯＲ）样阳性结构在大鼠脊髓背角（ＳＤＨ）的分布和变化。对照组大鼠ＳＤＨ内可见到大量ＰＰＥｍＲＮＡ阳性神经元,这些阳性神经元主要分布于Ⅰ、Ⅱ层和Ⅴ、Ⅵ层,ＣＡＲ刺激后６ｈ,刺激侧ＳＤＨ中ＰＰＥｍＲＮＡ阳性神经元的数量明显增多,１２ｈ和１ｄ达到最高水平,３ｄ时略有下降,但仍高于正常水平。Ｌ－ＥＮＫ样阳性纤维和终末主要分布于正常大鼠ＳＤＨ的Ⅰ、Ⅱ层,ＣＡＲ刺激后１ｄ,Ｌ－ＥＮＫ样阳性结构在刺激侧ＳＤＨ中的密度略有升高,３ｄ后下降直至低于正常水平。ＭＯＲ阳性胞体和纤维主要分布于ＳＤＨ的Ⅱ层,ＣＡＲ刺激后１ｄ,刺激侧Ⅱ层中ＭＯＲ阳性结构明显增加,并持续到刺激后３ｄ。上述结果提示阿片类物质在伤害性信息调控中具有重要作用。     

树下丘脑视交叉上核突触超微结构的电镜观察

本研究借助免疫电镜和溃变纤维电镜追踪等技术,探索我国南方特产,昼行动物“灵长类原宗”树鼠句（ＴＢＣ）下丘脑视交叉上核（ＳＣＮ）的突触,特别是ＳＣＮ中５－羟色胺（５－ＨＴ）能和视纤维传入的突触联系的超微结构特征,结果表明：ＴＢＣ的ＳＣＮ主要包含不对称性ＧｒａｙⅠ型（ＧＴⅠ）和对称性ＧｒａｙⅡ型（ＧＴⅡ）两种突触类型。其中ＧＴⅠ突触的后膜下颇多呈现“三体一线”的节下小体。５－ＨＴ能末梢在ＴＢＣ的ＳＣＮ（主要在其腹侧）中形成丰富的ＧＴⅠ和ＧＴⅡ突触。还观察到ＳＣＮ中５－ＨＴ能末梢和非５－ＨＴ能轴突构成颇多的轴－轴突触,５－ＨＴ能末梢既可为突触前也可为突触后成分。这在大鼠ＳＣＮ中未见报道,而视纤维传入在ＳＣＮ腹外侧区主要形成ＧＴⅠ突触     

大鼠海马触液神经元的分布特征及其纤维联系

本文应用ＨＲＰ追踪与电镜结合的方法研究了大白鼠海马接触脑脊液神经元的分布特征和皮质内联系。光镜观察在海马的多形细胞层和锥体细胞层等处可见散在的神经元被标记,而在室管膜层标记的细胞较多,它们分布于交织成网的阳性纤维中。透射电镜可见海马室管膜层的ＨＲＰ反应阳性的神经细胞、树突末稍及神经胶质细胞。在海马室管膜上也见到了被标记的神经纤维。同时在海马室管膜层内还发现未标记的阴性轴突与被ＨＲＰ标记的阳性树突构成的轴－树突触。上述结果提示海马为接触脑脊液神经元存在的部位之一,其接触脑脊液神经元并受到其它神经元的突触调控     

Axons containing neuropeptide Y innervate arginine vasopressin-containing neurons in the rat paraventricular nucleus

Summary Synaptic connections between neurons immunoreactive for arginine vasopressin (AVP) and axon terminals immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y (NPY) were found in the magnocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the rat hypothalamus. In pre-embedding double immunolabeling, NPY axon terminals labeled with diamin-obenzidine (DAB) reaction product established synaptic junctions on the perikarya and neuronal processes of AVP neurons labeled with silver-gold particles. Ultrastructural morphology of the neurons was more suitably preserved by a combination of pre- and post-embedding procedures. The presynaptic NPY terminals contained many small clear vesicles and a few cored vesicles, and DAB chromogen (immunoreaction product) was located on the surface of the vesicular profiles and on the core. The postsynaptic AVP neurons possessed many large secretory granules labeled with gold particles. At the synaptic junctions, small clear vesicles were accumulated at the presynaptic membrane, and the postsynaptic membrane was coated with a dense accumulation of fine electron dense particles. The perikarya also received synapses made by immuno-negative axon terminals containing many small clear vesicles and a few cored vesicles. These terminals were found more frequently than those containing NPY.     

Axons containing neuropeptide Y innervate arginine vasopressin-containing neurons in the rat paraventricular nucleus. Dual electron microscopic immunolabeling

Synaptic connections between neurons immunoreactive for arginine vasopressin (AVP) and axon terminals immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y (NPY) were found in the magnocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the rat hypothalamus. In pre-embedding double immunolabeling, NPY axon terminals labeled with diaminobenzidine (DAB) reaction product established synaptic junctions on the perikarya and neuronal processes of AVP neurons labeled with silver-gold particles. Ultrastructural morphology of the neurons was more suitably preserved by a combination of pre- and post-embedding procedures. The presynaptic NPY terminals contained many small clear vesicles and a few cored vesicles, and DAB chromogen (immunoreaction product) was located on the surface of the vesicular profiles and on the core. The postsynaptic AVP neurons possessed many large secretory granules labeled with gold particles. At the synaptic junctions, small clear vesicles were accumulated at the presynaptic membrane, and the postsynaptic membrane was coated with a dense accumulation of fine electron dense particles. The perikarya also received synapses made by immuno-negative axon terminals containing many small clear vesicles and a few cored vesicles. These terminals were found more frequently than those containing NPY.     

GABA immunoreactivity in the human cerebellar cortex: a light and electron microscopical study

The distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in surgical samples of human cerebellar cortex was studied by light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry using a polyclonal antibody generated in rabbit against GABA coupled to bovine serum albumin with glutaraldehyde. Observations by light microscopy revealed immunostained neuronal bodies and processes as well as axon terminals in all layers of the cerebellar cortex. Perikarya of stellate, basket and Golgi neurons showed evident GABA immunoreactivity. In contrast, perikarya of Purkinje neurons appeared to be negative or weakly positive. Immunoreactive tracts of longitudinally- or obliquely-sectioned neuronal processes and punctate elements, corresponding to axon terminals or cross-sectioned neuronal processes, showed a layer-specific pattern of distribution and were seen on the surface of neuronal bodies, in the neuropil and at microvessel walls. Electron microscope observations mainly focussed on the analysis of GABA-labelled axon terminals and of their relationships with neurons and microvessels. GABA-labelled terminals contained gold particles associated with pleomorphic vesicles and mitochondria and established symmetric synapses with neuronal bodies and dendrites in all cortex layers. GABA-labelled terminals associated with capillaries were seen to contact the perivascular glial processes, basal lamina and endothelial cells and to establish synapses with subendothelial unlabelled axons.     

Electron microscopic analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase immunoreactive innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in the rat

The catecholaminergic innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the rat was studied by preembedding immunocytochemical methods utilizing specific antibodies which were generated against catecholamine synthesizing enzymes. Phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-immunoreactive terminals contained 80-120 nm dense core granules and 30-50 nm clear synaptic vesicles. The labeled boutons terminated on cell bodies and dendrites of both parvo- and magnocellular neurons of PVN via asymmetric synapses. The parvocellular subnuclei received a more intense adrenergic innervation than did the magnocellular regions of the nucleus. Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH)-immunopositive axons were most numerous in the periventricular zone and the medial parvocellular subnucleus of PVN. Labeled terminal boutons contained 70-100 nm dense granules and clusters of spherical, electron lucent vesicles. Dendrites, perikarya and spinous structures of paraventricular neurons were observed to be the postsynaptic targets of DBH axon terminals. These asymmetric synapses frequently exhibited subsynaptic dense bodies. Paraventricular neurons did not demonstrate either PNMT or DBH immunoreactivity. The fibers present within the nucleus which contained these enzymes are considered to represent extrinsic afferent connections to neurons of the PVN. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactivity was found both in neurons and neuronal processes within the PVN. In TH-cells, the immunolabel was associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes and 70-120 nm dense granules. Occasionally, nematosome-like bodies and cilia were observed in the TH-perikarya. Unlabeled axons established en passant and bouton terminaux type synapses with these TH-immunopositive cells. TH-immunoreactive axons terminated on cell bodies as well as somatic and dendritic spines of paraventricular parvocellular neurons. TH-containing axons were observed to deeply invaginate into both dendrites and perikarya of magnocellular neurons. These observations provide ultrastructural evidence for the participation of central catecholaminergic neuronal systems in the regulation of the different neuronal and neuroendocrine functions which have been related to hypothalamic paraventricular neurons.     

Synaptic relationships between proopiomelanocortin- and ghrelin-containing neurons in the rat arcuate nucleus

Both proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and ghrelin peptides are implicated in the feeding regulation. The synaptic relationships between POMC- and ghrelin-containing neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were studied using double-immunostaining methods at the light and electron microscope levels. Many POMC-like immunoreactive axon terminals were found to be apposed to ghrelin-like immunoreactive neurons and also to make synapses with ghrelin-like immunoreactive neuronal perikarya and dendritic processes. Most of the synapses were symmetrical in shape. A small number of synapses made by ghrelin-like immunoreactive axon terminals on POMC-like immunoreactive neurons were also identified. Both the POMC- and ghrelin-like immunoreactive neurons were found to contain large dense granular vesicles. These data suggest that the POMC-producing neurons are modulated via synaptic communication with ghrelin-containing neurons. Moreover, ghrelin-containing neurons may also have a feedback effect on POMC-containing neurons through direct synaptic contacts.     

Ultrastructure of orexin-1 receptor immunoreactivities in the spinal cord dorsal horn

The ultrastructural properties of orexin 1-receptor-like immunoreactive (OX1R-LI) neurons in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord were examined using light and electron microscopy techniques. At the light microscopy level, the most heavily immunostained OX1R-LI neurons were found in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, while some immunostained profiles, including nerve fibers and small neurons, were also found in the dorsal horn. At the electron microscopy level, OX1R-LI perikarya were identified containing numerous dense-cored vesicles which were more heavily immunostained than any other organelles. Similar vesicles were also found within the axon terminals of the OX1R-LI neurons. The perikarya and dendrites of some of the OX1R-LI neurons could be seen receiving synapses from immunonegative axon terminals. These synapses were found mostly asymmetric in shape. Occasionally, some OX1R-LI axon terminals were found making synapses on dendrites that were OX1R-LI in some cases and immunonegative in others. The synapses made by OX1R-LI axon terminals were found both asymmetric and symmetric in appearance. The results provide solid morphological evidence that OX1R is transported in the dense-cored vesicles from the perikarya to axon terminals and that OX1R-LI neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord have complex synaptic relationships both with other OX1R-LI neurons as well as other neuron types.     

Characterization of orexin A immunoreactivity in the rat area postrema

The distribution of orexin A immunoreactivity and the synaptic relationships of orexin A-positive neurons in the rat area postrema were studied using both light and electron microscopy techniques. At the light microscope level, numerous orexin A-like immunoreactive fibers were found within the area postrema. Using electron microscopy, immunoreactivity within fibers was confined primarily to the axon terminals, most of which contained dense-cored vesicles. Both axo-somatic and axo-dendritic synapses made by orexin A-like immunoreactive axon terminals were found, with these synapses being both symmetric and asymmetric in form. Orexin A-like immunoreactive axon terminals could be found presynaptic to two different immunonegative profiles including the perikarya and dendrites. Occasionally, some orexin A-like immunoreactive profiles, most likely to be dendrites, could be seen receiving synaptic inputs from immunonegative or immunopositive axon terminals. The present results suggest that the physiological function of orexin A in the area postrema depends on synaptic relationships with other immunopositive and immunonegative neurons, with the action of orexin A mediated via a self-modulation feedback mechanism.     

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE CRAYFISH NEUROMUSCULAR APPARATUS

The synapse-bearing nerve terminals of the opener muscle of the crayfish Procambarus were reconstructed using electron micrographs of regions which had been serially sectioned. The branching patterns of the terminals of excitatory and inhibitory axons and the locations and sizes of neuromuscular and axo-axonal synapses were studied. Excitatory and inhibitory synapses could be distinguished not only on the basis of differences in synaptic vesicles, but also by a difference in density of pre- and postsynaptic membranes. Synapses of both axons usually had one or more sharply localized presynaptic "dense bodies" around which synaptic vesicles appeared to cluster. Some synapses did not have the dense bodies. These structures may be involved in the physiological activity of the synapse. Excitatory axon terminals had more synapses, and a larger percentage of terminal surface area devoted to synaptic contacts, than inhibitory axon terminals. However, the largest synapses of the inhibitory axon exceeded in surface area those of the excitatory axon. Both axons had many side branches coming from the main terminal; often, the side branches were joined to the main terminal by narrow necks. A greater percentage of surface area was devoted to synapses in side branches than in the main terminal. Only a small fraction of total surface area was devoted to axo-axonal synapses, but these were often located at narrow necks or constrictions of the excitatory axon. This arrangement would result in effective blockage of spike invasion of regions of the terminal distal to the synapse, and would allow relatively few synapses to exert a powerful effect on transmitter release from the excitatory axon. A hypothesis to account for the development of the neuromuscular apparatus is presented, in which it is suggested that production of new synapses is more important than enlargement of old ones as a mechanism for allowing the axon to adjust transmitter output to the functional needs of the muscle.     

Electron microscopic analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase,dopamine-β-hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase immunoreactive innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in the rat

Summary The catecholaminergic innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the rat was studred by preembedding immunocytochemical methods utilizing specific antibodies which were generated against catecholamine synthesizing enzymes. Phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-immunoreactive terminals contained 80–120 nm dense core granules and 30–50 nm clear synaptic vesicles. The labeled boutons terminated on cell bodies and dendrites of both parvo- and magnocellular neurons of PVN via asymmetric synapses. The parvocellular subnuclei received a more intense adrenergic innervation than did the magnocellular regions of the nucleus. Dopamine--hydroxylase (DBH)-immunopositive axons were most numerous in the periventricular zone and the medial paryocellular subnucleus of PVN. Labeled terminal boutens contained 70–100 nm dense granules and clusters of spherical, electron lucent vesicles. Dendrites, perikarya and spinous structures of paraventricular neurons were observed to be the postsynaptic targets of DBH axon terminals. These asymmetric synapses frequently exhibited subsynaptic dense bodies. Paraventricular neurons did not demonstrate either PNMT or DBH immunoreactivity. The fibers present within the nucleus which contained these enzymes are considered to represent extrinsic afferent connections to neurons of the PVN.Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactivity was found both in neurons and neuronal processes within the PVN In TH-cells, the immunolabel was associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes and 70–120 nm dense granules. Occasionally, nematosome-like bodies and cilia were observed in the TH-perikarya. Unlabeled axons established en passant and bouton terminaux type synapses with these TH-immunopositive cells. TH-immunoreactive axons terminated on cell bodies as well as somatic and dendritic spines of paraventricular parvocellular neurons. TH-containing axons were observed to deeply invaginate into both dendrites and perikarya of magnocellular neurons.These observations provide ultrastructural evidence for the participation of central catecholaminergic neuronal systems in the regulation of the different neuronal and neuroendocrine functions which have been related to hypothalamic paraventricular neurons.Supported by NIH Grant NS 19266 to W.K. Paull     

Ultrastructural parameters of GABA-ergic and non-GABA-ergic synaptic contacts on neurons of the catsubstantia nigra

Nigrothalamic neurons were identified in the reticular part of thesubstantia nigra using labelling by the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase. Nine parameters of the synaptic contacts (n=195) were analyzed, including the size and shape of terminals and size and type of synaptic vesicies. Sixty-six percent of axon terminals studied formed symmetric contacts and contained large polymorphic vesicles (group I). Two-thirds of these synapses were located on the distal dendrites, while one-third was distributed on the perikarya and proximal dendrites. Synapses of group II (29% of all synapses analyzed) exhibited asymmetric contacts and contained round agranular vesicles. Among these synapses, 79% were located on the distal dendrites, 19% were located on the proximal dendrites, and only 2% were located on the neuronal perikarya. Axon terminals of group III (5% of total population) exhibited symmetric contact and contained small polymorphic vesicles. High-resolution immunogold EM histochemistry indicated that 63% of the group-I axon terminals were GABA-positive. The majority of synapses on the labelled nigrothalamic neurons (21 contacts of 25) belonged to group I. Among these 21 synapses, 19 were axo-somatic and mostly GABA-positive. Within group II, 30% of synapses showed slightly expressed GABA-positivity.Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 147–157, March–April, 1995.