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Synaptology of the central nervous system of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L.), with particular reference to neurosecretion

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Summary

In the central nervous system (CNS) of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis 3 types of interneuronal contacts can be distinguished electron-microscopically, viz. true synapses, “synapse-like structures” (SLS), and “spinules”. Use of the electron microscope specimen tilting stage reveals numerous true synapses. Both “terminal” and “en passant” contacts occur on neurones and on glial cells. Furthermore “bigeminal” synapses are present. Complex (combined) convergent and divergent synaptic arrangements are found. On the basis of the morphology of presynaptic vesicles 7 types of true synapses can be discerned. Histochemical data on the contents of the vesicles are lacking. However, vesicle morphology suggests that type IV is aminergic and type VII cholinergic. Terminal and en passant SLS may penetrate deeply into neuronal somata and large axons, and into glial cells. A cluster of synaptic vesicles is present in the presynapse-like element. Spinules (spine-coated “evagination-invagination” specializations of the plasma membranes of 2 adjacent neuronal elements) are observed between somata, between axons, and between soma and axon.

The neurosecretory Light Green Cells (LGC) and Caudo-Dorsal Cells (CDC) receive complex synaptic input. Type V true synapses, 2 types of SLS, and spinules contact the LGC. The complex morphology of the relationship between type A SLS and LGC, studied in serial sections, reveals that adjacent glial cells are also contacted by type A SLS. Type II true synapses, 3 types of SLS, and spinules are identified on the CDC.

The validity of the methods of identification and classification of interneuronal contacts in the CNS of L. stagnalis, as well as the role of these contacts in the regulation of the activity of “ordinary” neurones, neurosecretory cells, and glial cells is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Free University, De Boelelaan 1087, 1007, MC Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    E. W. Roubos & Carry M. Moorer-van Delft

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  1. E. W. Roubos
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  2. Carry M. Moorer-van Delft
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The authors are greatly indebted to Dr. H.H. Boer for his stimulating interest and valuable comments during this study and the preparation of the manuscript, and to Prof. Dr. J. Lever for critically reading the manuscript

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Roubos, E.W., Moorer-van Delft, C.M. Synaptology of the central nervous system of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L.), with particular reference to neurosecretion. Cell Tissue Res. 198, 217–235 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00232006

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