The spatial pattern of the synaptic vesicular apparatus as a correlate of transmitter storage models.
A statistical stereological approach which allows one to derive a three-dimensional pattern of synaptic vesicle accumulation in relation to the active zone from an analysis of electron micrograms (random sections) of synapses is described. This approach is illustrated with a study of presynaptic terminals from the dorsal horn of the cat spinal cord, based on the morphometrical treatment of 105 micrographs containing 5190 synaptic vesicles. The spatial pattern obtained was found to have a bimodal shape, which can be considered a possible structural correlate of the two-pool model of transmitter storage. The connection of similar quantitative estimates with physiological data is discussed.
Laboratory of Biophysics and Bioelectronics, Dnepropetrovsk State University, U.S.S.R.
D A
DA
Rusakov
G G
GG
Skibo
D A
DA
Vasilenko
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D005089:Exocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents