Computerized ultrastructural analysis of the shape of the active synaptic zones in rat spinal cord

W. Terrell Stamps, Richard E. Coggeshall, Claire E. Hulsebosch

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    2 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Active synaptic zones are cytoplasmic specializations that indicate where synaptic transmission occurs. We have used computerized three-dimensional reconstructions from serial ultrathin sections to define certain features of the geometry of these zones in mammalian spinal cord. Our main finding is that the active zones in the dorsal portion of the spinal cord can be placed in one of two categories with respect to curvature: (1) uncurved or slightly curved and (2) very curved. The very curved category is associated with simple axodendritic type synapses in which the axonal terminal arises from primary afferent fibers.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)151-155
    Number of pages5
    JournalExperimental Neurology
    Volume108
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - May 1990

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Neurology
    • Developmental Neuroscience

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