Summary
Synaptic profiles have been identified in the outgrowth from chick embryo spinal cord maintained in vitro for short periods. Profiles corresponding to types that may be excitatory and inhibitory in the intact central nervous system have been found. Their presence outside expiants, and in occasional relation to glial cells, suggests that neurites themselves may possess a generalised capacity for synapse formation under appropriate circumstances, rather than be limited to specific targets.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bargmann, W., Lindner, E., Andres, K. H.: Über Synapsen an endokrinen Epithelzellen und die Definition sekretorischer Neurone. Untersuchungen am Zwischenlappen der Katzenhypophyse. Z. Zellforsch. 77, 282–298 (1967).
Bodian, D.: Synaptic types on spinal motoneurones: an electron microscopic study. Bull. Johns Hopk. Hosp. 119, 16–45 (1966).
Bunge, M. B., Bunge, R. P., Peterson, E. R.: The onset of synapse formation in spinal cord cultures as studied by electron microscopy. Brain Res. 6, 728–749 (1967).
Bunge, R. P., Bunge, M. B., Peterson, E. R.: An electron microscopic study of cultured rat spinal cord. J. Cell Biol. 24, 163–191 (1965).
Colonnier, M.: Synaptic patterns on different cell types in the different laminae of the cat visual cortex. An electron microscopic study. Brain Res. 9, 268–287 (1968).
Crain, S. M.: Development of “organotypic” bio-electric activities in central nervous tissues during maturation in culture. Int. Rev. Biol. 9, 1–43 (1966).
Grainger, F., James, D. W., Tresman, B. L.: An electron microscopic study of the early outgrowth from chick spinal cord in vitro. Z. Zellforsch. 90, 53–67 (1968).
Gray, E. G.: Axosomatic and axodendritic synapses of the cerebral cortex: an electron microscopic study. J. Anat. (Lond.) 93, 420–433 (1959).
—: Electron microscopy of excitatory and inhibitory synapses: A brief review. In: Progress in brain research. vol. 31, p. 141–155, Mechanisms of synaptic transmission. Amsterdam: Elsevier Publ. Co. 1969.
Knowles, F., Vollrath, L.: Neurosecretory innervation of the pituitary of the eels Anguilla and Conger. I. The structure and ultrastructure of the neuro-intermediate lobe under normal and experimental conditions. Phil. Trans. B 250, 311–327 (1966).
Leonhardt, H., Backhus-Roth, A.: Synapsenartige Kontakte zwischen intraventrikulären Axonendigungen und freien Oberflächen von Ependymzellen des Kaninchengehirns. Z. Zellforsch. 97, 369–376 (1969).
Nishioka, R. S., Bern, H. A., Mewaldt, L. R.: Ultrastructural aspects of the neurohypophysis of the white crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, with special reference to the relation of neurosecretory axons to ependyma in the pars nervosa. Gen. comp. Endocr. 4, 304–313 (1964).
Uchizono, K.: Characteristics of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the central nervous system of the cat. Nature (Lond.) 207, 642 (1965).
Sobkowicz, Hanna M., Guillery, R. W., Bornstein, M. B.: Neuronal organisation in long term cultures of the spinal cord of the fetal mouse. J. comp. Neurol. 132, 365–396 (1968).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
James, D.W., Tresman, R.L. Synaptic profiles in the outgrowth from chick spinal cord in vitro . Z.Zellforsch. 101, 598–606 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335272
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335272