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The postnatal development of the synapse: A morphological approach utilizing synaptosomes

I. General features

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Summary

Synaptosomes (nerve-ending particles) prepared from the cerebral cortex of rats, aged 2–21 days, were examined after fixation in glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide, in order to study the development of the contact region between their pre- and postsynaptic components. Synaptosomes were present at all ages studied, although they increased in number and underwent morphological changes, e.g. a decrease in ribosomes and increase in synaptic vesicles, during development. The seventh postnatal day appeared to be a critical period for development, as many adult features were first observed at this time. The synaptic contact region was characterized by desmosome-like symmetrical thickenings until the fourth postnatal day, after which it became increasingly asymmetrical. The postsynaptic thickening, which had been undifferentiated until the seventh day, underwent a focalization of its material at this stage to form postsynaptic densities typical of the adult synapse. Cleft material was present at all ages, although for the first few days it was sparse and comparatively unorganized.

An attempt has been made to distinguish between synaptosomes derived from axosomatic and axodendritic endings. The possible significance of the early desmosome-like thickenings is discussed, and the role of the cleft material and post-synaptic densities in the development of the synapse is analysed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, University College London, Gower Street, W.C.1, London

    D. G. Jones & E. Revell

  2. Department of Anatomy, University of Western Australia, 6009, Nedlands, Western Australia

    D. G. Jones

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  1. D. G. Jones
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  2. E. Revell
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We would like to thank Professors J. Z. Young, F.R.S. and E. G. Gray for their advice, and Mr. S. Waterman for expert photographic assistance.

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Jones, D.G., Revell, E. The postnatal development of the synapse: A morphological approach utilizing synaptosomes. Z. Zellforsch. 111, 179–194 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339784

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