The fine structure of the procerebrum of pulmonate molluscs, Helix and Limax

Neuronal perikarya of the procerebrum of Helix and Limax are generally naked and lie side by side. The cell mass contains large numbers of axosomatic and axoaxonic synapses represented by boutons of two types; dense core vesicles (800-1200 A, in diameter) being characteristic of the first type and clusters of electron lucent vesicles (500-800 A) of the second. Endings of the two types occur also in the terminal mass of the neuropile while the internal mass contains peculiar axonal enlargements filled with fine twisted tubuli. Axons containing dense core vesicles seem to correspond to varicose monoaminergic fibres detected by a fluorescent histochemical method.     

Synapsoarchitectonics of the septum of the cat brain

In the medial and lateral septal nuclei, 4 types of axonal terminals are distinguished. Type I contains spherical vesicles and forms asymmetric synapses on small and middle stems and spines of the dendrites; type I terminals comprise 63% in the medial nucleus of the total number of axons, and in the lateral one--52%. Type II contains polymorphic vesicles and forms symmetrical synapses on the soma and large dendrites. In the medial nucleus they comprise 6%, and in the lateral one--3%. Type III contains either clear spherical (IIIa), or polymorphic (IIIb) vesicles, as well as 1-2 vesicles with a dense core. They form axodendritic, axospine and axosomatic synapses. In the medial nucleus they comprise 25% and 3%, respectively, in the lateral one--40% and 2%. Type IV contains a great number of vesicles with a dense core. These terminals in both septal nuclei comprise 3% and do not participate in formation of active contacts.     

The discrimination of nine different types of synaptic boutons in the fundus striati (nucleus accumbens septi)

An attempt has been made to discriminate additional types of synapses than have been previously described in the nucleus accumbens septi of the cat, which can, according to Brockhaus (1942), justifiably be termed the fundus striati due to the fact that it possesses all of the morphological and some of the neurochemical features of the striatum. This was undertaken in order to correlate at least one type of synapse with each different afferent pathway. Nine distinct types of synapses could be differentiated electron microscopically: Type I: axo-spinous synapses with sparse, small, round vesicles which seemed to be the nigro-striatal endings (35%). Type II: axo-somatic or axo-dendritic en passant synapses containing small, round vesicles (3%). Type III: axo-spinous synapses filled with densely-packed, small, round vesicles displaying strong postsynaptic thickenings which seem to be cortico-striatal (17%). Type IV: large axo-spinous synapses with densely-arranged, small, round vesicles contacting larger spines branching off a pedicle (9%). Type V: axo-somatic or axo-dendritic synapses containing large pleomorphic vesicles, probably axon collaterals (1%). Type VI: axo-somatic or axo-dendritic synapses with elongated small vesicles (20 X 45 nm) (3%). Type VII: large axo-somatic or axo-dendritic synapses filled by densely-packed, small, round vesicles (11%). Type VIII: large axo-somatic or axo-dendritic synapses containing loosely-arranged, small, round vesicles (8%). Type IX: axo-somatic or axo-dendritic synapses containing large, round vesicles in a translucent axoplasm (13%).     

Ultrastructure of neuro‐spirocyte synapses in the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida (Cnidaria,Anthozoa, Zoantharia)

Using transmission electron microscopy of serially sectioned tentacles from the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida, we located and characterized two types of neuro‐spirocyte synapses. Clear vesicles were observed at 10 synapses and dense‐cored vesicles at five synapses. The diameters of vesicles at each neuro‐spirocyte synapse were averaged; clear vesicles ranged from 49–89 nm in diameter, whereas the dense‐cored vesicles ranged from 97–120 nm in diameter. One sequential pair of synapses included a neuro‐spirocyte synapse with clear vesicles (81 nm) and a neuro‐neuronal synapse with dense‐cored vesicles (168 nm). A second synapse on the same cell had dense‐cored vesicles (103 nm). An Antho‐RFamide‐labeled ganglion cell and three different neurites were observed adjacent to spirocytes, but no neuro‐spirocyte synapses were present. Many of the spirocytes also were immunoreactive to Antho‐RFamide. The presence of sequential neuro‐neuro‐spirocyte synapses suggests that synaptic modulation may be involved in the neural control of spirocyst discharge. The occurrence of either dense‐cored or clear vesicles at neuro‐spirocyte synapses suggests that at least two types of neurotransmitter substances control the discharge of spirocysts in sea anemones. J. Morphol. 241:165–173, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Synaptic connections of substance P-immunoreactive nerve terminals in the substantia nigra of the rat

Summary A monoclonal antibody that recognises the C-terminal part of substance P was used to study immunoreactive structures in the substantia nigra by the unlabeled antibody, peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure. Immunoreactivity was present in nerve fibres in all parts of the substantia nigra, particularly in the pars reticulata and pars lateralis. Electron microscopically two types of bouton immunoreactive for substance P were found: Type 1 contained large electron-lucent vesicles, occasional large granulated vesicles and formed symmetrical synapses with dendrites. Type 2 boutons contained smaller, round electron-lucent vesicles, many large granular vesicles and formed asymmetrical synapses (having prominent postjunctional dense bodies) with dendrites and perikarya.Immunoreactive fibres with varicosities that had been identified light microscopically were studied in serial sections in the electron microscope. Each identified varicosity contained synaptic vesicles and formed a single synapse. An individual fibre formed boutons of only one kind (type 1 or type 2) and could form multiple synapses with the same neuron. Thus, an identified fibre in the pars compacta had eight varicosities, each of which was in synaptic contacts (type 2) with the dendrites or soma of the same neuron.The results are consistent with the concept that substance P is a synaptic transmitter in the substantia nigra and indicate that neurons in this region may receive a significant input from substance P-containing afferents, and that there are at least two types of such afferent fibres.     

On the Fine Structure of the Nervous System of Tubiluchus philippinensis (Tubiluchidae,Priapulida)

At the mouth tube/introvert border a circumenteric intraepithelial nerve ring occupies a circular ridge protruding into the body cavity. The ring has a centrally located neuropile nearly free of perikarya and two zones of different perikarya above and below the neuropile. Presumably non-neuronal perikarya have an oval nucleus, large heterochromatin clumps and marked filament bundles. Such elements resemble tanycytic glial cells. Two types of presumably neuronal perikarya contain small cytoplasmic granules, similar to those in nerve fibre profiles. One of these neurons has a pale nucleus with a prominent nucleolus, the other a rather inconspicuous nucleus similar to that of the tanycytic cells. The neuronal processes of the fibre ring differ in diameter and contain clear and dense core vesicles, small granules (high or medium electron density) or granules with a dense periphery and a light centre. Sometimes neighbouring processes seem interconnected by electrical synapses. Images suggesting chemical synapses are rare. A large intraepithelial nerve lies in the wall of the introvert and ventral body wall close to the musculature, possibly innervated by this nerve. Frontal of the anus lies an intraepithelial ganglion demonstrating again a central neuropile. two neuronal types and tanycytic elements with filament bundles. Comparative aspects of the characters of the Tubiluchus nervous system are also discussed.     

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.     

The effect of ageing on the SIF-cells in the hypogastric (main pelvic) ganglion of the rat

Summary The effect of ageing on SIF-cells was studied by the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF) method and by electron microscopy (EM). Microspectrofluorimetry was used to record emission spectra in FIF preparations. In newborn and in young adult (8–12 weeks) rats a single type of SIF-cell emitting greenish-yellow FIF was found while in aged rats a second type of SIF-cell emitting yellowish-brown granular FIF was also present. The intensity of the yellowish-brown FIF was lower than that of the greenish-yellow FIF. Also a few bright cytoplasmic fluorescent areas were occasionally found in some SIF-cells. The distribution of the SIF-cells through the ganglion did not change remarkably with age.In EM after glutaraldehyde-fixation in newborn and in young adult rats two types of small granule-containing (SGC) cells were distinguished according to the size of the dense cored vesicles, 1) 50–150 nm and 2) 50–250 nm. In aged rats, a third type of SGC-cells containing 50×250 nm elongated dense core vesicles could also be distinguished. After KMnO₄-fixation in newborn and in young adult rats the classification was identical with glutaraldehyde-fixation. In aged rats three types of storage granules were found after KMnO₄, 1) 100–300 nm empty vesicles and 2) 100–300 nm vesicles with small dense core, 3) 100–500 nm irregular in shape and filled with electron opaque material with a more dense core.     

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.     

Dense-core vesicles and non-synaptic exocytosis in the central body of the crayfish brain

Summary The central body in the median protocerebrum of the brain of the crayfish Cherax destructor is a distinctive area of dense neuropile, the nerve fibres of which contain three main types of vesicles: electronlucent vesicles (diameter 35 nm), dense-core vesicles (diameter 64 nm), and large structured dense-core vesicles (diameter 98 nm, maximum 170 nm). Different vesicle types were found together in the same neurons. Electronlucent vesicles were seen at presynaptic sites and rarely observed in the state of exocytosis. Exocytosis of densecore and structured dense-core vesicles was a regular feature on non-synaptic release sites either close to, or at some distance from pre- and subsynaptic sites. Non-synaptic exocytotic sites are more often observed than chemical synapses. Different forms of exocytosis seen at non-synaptic sites included the release of single densecore vesicles, packets of dense-core vesicles, and rows of dense-core vesicles lined up along cell membranes and around fibre invaginations. Swelling and the enhanced electron density of extracellular non-synaptic spaces may mark the positions of prior exocytotic events. In vitro treatment of the brain with tannic acid buffer solution followed by conventional double fixation resulted in the augmentation of non-synaptic exocytosis. Electron microscopy of proctolin- and serotonin-immunoreactive nerve fibres shows them to contain dense-core and electron-lucent vesicles and to be surrounded by many unlabelled profiles similarly laden with dense-core vesicles and electron-lucent vesicles, indicating the presence of other, not yet identified, neuroactive compounds.     

Acetylcholinesterase activity at the synapses of presynaptic boutons with presumed alpha-motoneurons in chicken ventral horn. Light- and electron-microscopic studies

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity at the synapses of presynaptic boutons on presumed alpha-motoneurons in the chicken ventral horn was studied histochemically at the light- and electron-microscope levels. At the light-microscope level, many dot-like AChE-active sites were observed on the soma and dendrites of presumed alpha-motoneurons. On electron microscopy, reaction products for AChE activity were observed mainly in the synaptic clefts of the four kinds of presynaptic boutons: (1) S type boutons, (2) boutons containing small, spherical, dense cored vesicles (diameter range, 60-105 nm) and spherical, clear vesicles, (3) boutons containing medium-sized, spherical, dense cored vesicles (65-115 nm) and spherical, clear vesicles, and (4) boutons containing large, spherical, dense cored vesicles (80-130 nm) and spherical, clear vesicles. In the light of previous physiological and biochemical studies, the present results suggest the possibility that each of these presynaptic boutons which are AChE-active in their synaptic clefts may contain acetylcholine, substance P, or enkephalins which acts as a neurotransmitter or modulator.     

Electron microscopy of the arcuate nucleus of normal and 5-hydroxydopamine treated cats

The arcuate nucleus of normal cats and of cats treated with 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OHDA) was investigated by electron microscopy. The neurons of the arcuate nucleus were classified into three types, clear, intermediate and dark, according to their fine structure. The clear type contained numerous dense-cored vesicles and well developed cell organelles. All three types were frequently seen to be partially surrounded by glial processes. Many axo-somatic and axo-dendritic synapses mostly small in diameter were also observed around the neurons. Synaptic contacts were demonstrated between axon endings and axonal processes which contained elementary granules. After administration of 5-OHDA small and large dense-cored vesicles appeared in the nerve endings surrounding the neurons. The relationship between the dense-cored vesicles in the perikarya and dopamine was briefly discussed.     

The nucleus preopticus and the nucleus lateralis tuberis in the roach,Leuciscus rutilus

Summary The hypothalamus of the teleost fish Leuciscus rutilus was investigated with the Falck-Hillarp technique. The nucleus preopticus (NPO) and the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT) contain no fluorescent, i.e. catecholaminergic cells. Green fluorescent fibers probably originating from the paraventricular organ and/or the preoptic recess organ, are intermingled with the cells.The electron microscopical study was based on the three fixatives glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide, osmium tetroxide and potassium permanganate. In the NPO two cell types are recognized, characterized mainly by dense core vesicles (dcv) with measured diameter of 130 nm and 170 nm across respectively. The endoplasmic reticulum in the former cell type generally has large dark inclusions measuring from 175 to 375 nm across, which are also found in the neurite. In the NLT, four different cell types are identified, some of which are subject to considerable variations. The rostral and the medial parts of the nucleus include a large cell type (I) with dcv of diameter 170 nm. The medial part also has a small cell type (II) with dcv of 80 nm. The lateral part is characterized by two cell types (III, IV). Cell type III occurs in three forms with dcv of about 140 nm. The fourth cell type (IV) is rare and contains irregularly formed granules, the most circular ones measuring about 130 nm and the most elongated ones 110 nm×210 nm. The ventrolateral part contains the same cell types (except for type II) as those found in the lateral and medial parts.The morphological differentiation of the NLT as well as its different cell types strongly indicates its functional diversity.After permanganate fixation the secretory granules of the different cell types in the NPO and the NLT appear as empty vesicles. This method also reveals that the cell types of the two nuclei have dcv of about 90 nm. The possible monoaminergic content and the role of these dcv are discussed.Supported by grants from the Swedish Natural Science Research Council (No 2502-1-7).I should like to express my gratitude to Doctor Gunnar Fridberg for initiating this work and for many stimulating discussions.     

Large dense-core vesicles at the frog neuromuscular junction: characteristics and exocytosis

The population of large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) in motor nerve terminals of the frog cutaneous pectoris muscle was analysed after various experimental protocols leading to large acetylcholine release. Three types of LDCVs classified according to their size and the core density were detected. Vesicles, 100–150 nm in diameter, with a large and very dense core (type 1) or with an irregular and diffuse dense core (type 2) were present in similar proportions (45 and 50% respectively) in controls. Smaller vesicles, 50–80 nm in diameter, with a very dense core (type 3) were rare, representing around 5% of the cored vesicles. The relative proportion of type 1 and type 2 LDCVs was not modified after prolonged treatment with 25 mM K+. In contrast, the proportion of type 2 LDCVs significantly increased whereas that of type 1 LDCVs decreased after two or three series of 20 Hz electrical stimuli applied to the nerve at 5 s intervals. These changes suggest that type 2 LDCVs are newly recycled LDCVs in the process of reloading. Images of fusion of LDCVs with the axolemma in regions facing Schwann cell digitations were observed both in K+- and in electrically stimulated preparations. They indicate that exocytosis of LDCVs at the frog neuromuscular junction takes place preferentially away from the active zones. The presence of a clathrin-like coat on large pockets still containing a core and of both type 1 and type 2 LDCVs in the vicinity of coated pockets strongly suggests that LDCVs might undergo a combined process of exo–endocytosis at the same site.     

The Pituitary Gland of the Roach Leuciscus rutilus

Three endocrine cell types were recognized in the proximal pars distalis (PPD) of the roach, Leuciscus rutilus, by electron microscopy. Two of these cell types are basophilic and assumed to be gonadotropic. The third cell type is acidophilic and its similarity to somatotropic (STH) cells is evident. Green fluorescent cells corresponding to cells with dense core vesicles of about 85 nm are scattered between the PPD and the proximal neurohypophysis (PNH). Their possible content of a catecholamine was demonstrated with microspectrofluorometric analyses. Four axon types with granules 65, 81, 110 and 137 nm in average diameter terminate at the basement membrane. Only fibers with granules of 81 nm enter the PPD to make synapses with the STH cells. Extensions of the basement membrane are continuous with the perivascular space and penetrate the endocrine tissue. It is postulated that axon terminals on the basement membrane are functionally equivalent to synaptic contacts on the endocrine cells. Axon type 4 has granules which in sizes correspond to those of cells in lateral and ventrolateral parts of the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT). A similar correlation is possible between axon type 3 and other cells in the NLT. This is in accordance with earlier conclusions of a regulation of the gonadotropic cells from the lateral (posterior) parts of the NLT.     

The nucleus of the basal optic root in the pigeon: an electron microscope study

The ultrastructure of the nucleus of the basal optic root in an avian species (Columba livia) was investigated. The ectomamillary nucleus (EMN) in which terminates the basal optic tract reveals three types of neurons: 1) small round neurons bearing a scanty cytoplasm in organelles, 2) medium-sized neurons, spindle-shaped with a dense population of organelles and 3) large multipolar neurons with well developed perikaryal elements. Some of these neurons have their inner plasma-membrane which fuse to make junctional zones alternating between attachment plates and gap junctions. The analysis of the neuropil displays four types of vesicle-containing profiles (VCP), Type I VCP, identified as optic terminals, are numerous (49%), contain round vesicles (500-550 A) and establish Gray type I contacts principally with dendrites. They also participate in serial and triadic arrangements. Type II VCP have lighter hyaloplasm and are less numerous (6,7%). Rounded vesicles (450-500 A) with a clear content synapse also with Gray type I active zones on dendrites. Some of these profiles have the peculiarity of both a chemical and electrical transmission known as mixed synapses. Type III VCP are larger and contain a mixed population of rounded and flattened vesicles which synapse according to Gray type II. Type IV VCP are characterized by a light hyaloplasm where the microtubules are a predominant organelle. Their active zones are also of Gray type II.     

Synapses in the cerebral ganglion of adult Ciona intestinalis

Summary Electron microscopy of the synaptic morphology of synapses in the cerebral ganglion of the adult ascidian (sea squirt) Ciona intestinalis reveals that the synapses are restricted to the central neuropil of the ganglion. Many of the synapses show a polarity of structure such that pre and post synaptic parts can be identified. The vesicles in the presynaptic bag are of two main diameters 80 and 30 nm respectively. The large vesicles have electron dense contents that vary both in their capacity and dimensions.The pre and postsynaptic membranes are more electron dense than the surrounding membranes, but they are only slightly thicker. Both the pre and post synaptic membranes have electron dense dots some 10 nm in diameter associated with their cytoplasmic surfaces. Sometimes the presynaptic membrane has larger peg-like projections between the vesicles. Associated with the post synaptic membrane are tubules some 10 nm in diameter. These tubules may be the dots cut obliquely.The synaptic cleft material is more electron dense than the surrounding intercellular material, and in it there is a dense line made up of granules about 3–5 nm in diameter. This dense line is usually mid way between the pre and post synaptic membranes, but may be nearer the postsynaptic membrane.No tight junctions between adjacent nerve process profiles have been observed.I wish to thank Professors J. Z. Young, F. R. S. and E. G. Gray for much advice and encouragement, also Dr. R. Bellairs for the use of electron microscope facilities and Mr. R. Moss and Mrs. J. Hamilton for skillful technical assistance.     

The ultrastructure of corpus allatum of the earwig Euborellia annulipes lucas (Dermaptera: Labiduridae)

The ultrastructure of corpus allatum of the earwig, Euborellia annulipes has been described. The corpus allatum (CA) is an oval body. The gland is covered by a thin stromal sheath which is wavey and acellular in composition. The gland consists of either parenchymal cells with distinct, double-layered, smooth or slightly undulated plasma-membranes. Golgi bodies and endoplasmic reticulum are poorly developed. The mitochondria are found in abundance and are oval, spherical, elongate, and Y-shaped, with oblique and longitudinal cristae. The gland is innervated by neurosecretory and non-neurosecretory axons. The neurosecretory axons are of two types. The type NS-II, contain electron dense granules of 40...120 nm in diameter and the type NS-I, small less electron dense granules (of mixed nature) 40...90 nm in diameter. Branches of tracheoles also occur that penetrate the gland. The large electron dense granules 100...220 nm in diameter occuring abundantly in aorta, and representing the secretions of the medial A-cells are absent in the CA.     

Neuroglandular synapses in the pharynx of the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida (Cnidaria, Anthozoa)

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the pharynx of the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida revealed a heavily ciliated epidermis and two types of gland cells not known previously to be innervated. By tracing serial cross sections of the pharynx, we located and characterized two types of neuroglandular synapses (i.e., those having clear vesicles and those with dense-cored vesicles). The diameters of the vesicles at each synapse were averaged; clear vesicles ranged from 70 to 103 nm in diameter and were observed at synapses to both mucous and zymogenic gland cells. Dense-cored vesicles ranged from 53 to 85 nm in diameter and were observed at synapses to two mucous gland cells. One mucous gland cell had three neuroglandular synapses, one with clear vesicles and two with dense-cored vesicles. The occurrence of either clear or dense-cored vesicles at neuroglandular synapses suggests that at least two types of neurotransmitter substances control the secretion of mucus in the sea anemone pharynx. To date, only clear vesicles have been observed at a neurozymogenic gland cell synapse in the pharynx. No evidence of immunoreactivity to phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase was observed at neuroglandular synapses, suggesting that adrenaline is not a transmitter in the pharynx of A. pallida.     

The structure of the coeliac ganglion of a teleost fish Myoxocephalus scorpius

Summary In order to compare the structure of a teleost sympathetic ganglion with those of other vertebrates, light, fluorescence histochemical and electron microscopy were carried out on the coeliac ganglion of the scorpion fish, Myoxocephalus scorpius. In common with studies on other vertebrates, fluorescence histochemistry distinguished two cell types: a) principal neurones which exhibited low levels of specific catecholamine fluorescence and comprise the majority of neurones in the ganglia, and b) smaller intensely fluorescent cells, some of which had processes tens of micrometers long.With the electron microscope, the principal cells were seen to make axodendritic and axosomatic synapses with axons containing mainly 30 nm agranular vesicles at the synaptic site while in other vertebrates usually only one or other synaptic association is present.Both the somata and the processes of intensely fluorescent cells contain 300–600 nm diameter vesicles many of which have electron dense cores. These cells are also innervated by axons containing 30 nm agranular vesicles.