High-resolution imaging of synaptic structure with a simple confocal microscope.
We describe a straightforward modification to a conventional fluorescence microscope that permits confocal fluorescence imaging of living and fixed biological material. The modified microscope has been used to examine the morphology of presynaptic terminals at the snake neuromuscular junction. Among our observations is the presence of two discrete compartments within each terminal bouton.
Lichtman
J W
JW
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Sunderland
W J
WJ
Wilkinson
R S
RS
D000818:Animals; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012911:Snakes; D013569:Synapses / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes