Ultrastructural and pharmacological studies on the afferent synapse of lateral-line sensory cells of the African clawed toad, Xenopus laevis.
Lateral-line sensory cells of Xenopus show considerable similarity to central nervous system synapses in their responses to the zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide, and bismuth-iodide cytochemical staining techniques. Both reserpine and FLA-63 cause a reduction in the diameter and electron density of the synaptic bars, and a dramatic loss of synaptic vesicles surrounding the bars. Aminooxy acetic acid and 3-mercaptopropionic acid cause no significant changes in the sensory-cell afferent synaptic apparatus. The results are discussed in the light of the known effects of the drugs. It is concluded that a monoamine rather than an amino acid may act as the afferent transmitter.
D000625:Aminooxyacetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001001:Anura; D005406:Bis(4-Methyl-1-Homopiperazinylthiocarbonyl)disulfide / Q000494:pharmacology; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism; D007758:Ear, Inner; D005971:Glutamates / Q000378:metabolism; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011422:Propionates / Q000494:pharmacology; D012110:Reserpine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012679:Sense Organs / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014981:Xenopus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
D002395:Catecholamines; D005971:Glutamates; D011422:Propionates; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D000625:Aminooxyacetic Acid; D005406:Bis(4-Methyl-1-Homopiperazinylthiocarbonyl)disulfide; D012110:Reserpine