Synaptic body movements in the sensory cells of lateral line organs in the urodele amphibian Ambystoma mexicanum.
Examination of the neuromasts in the tail of the living juvenile axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum with interference contrast (Nomarski) microscopy shows that their cellular structures can be identified in considerable detail. Microscopy was performed with a 40 x water immersion objective or with a 100 x objective in a tail insertion chamber. Thus the sensory hair bundles can be seen and their orientation can be determined. Large spheres in the basal part of the sensory cells were predicted to be synaptic bodies. Subsequent examination in the transmission electron microscope of the cells observed in the light microscope confirmed this notion. Inspection during periods of several hours reveals definite movements of the synaptic bodies.
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Division of Physiology II, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Jørgensen
J M
JM
D000558:Ambystoma mexicanum / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D007814:Larva; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D013623:Tail / Q000033:anatomy & histology*