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Microtubules associated with postsynaptic ‘thickenings’

  • Published:
Journal of Neurocytology

Summary

Using a new albumin technique, microtubules can be seen closely related to or associated with the postsynaptic ‘thickening’ of mature and immature central nervous synapses. Thus in conventionally fixed synapses (without albumin pretreatment) where microtubules cannot usually be observed running into the postsynaptic dense material, this material could perhaps, in part, consist of the debris ofin vivo microtubules. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is often seen associated with the microtubules near the postsynaptic ‘thickening’. Microtubules, and possibly smooth ER, may have an important role in the initiation of synapse formation and in the maintenance of mature synapses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Neurological Surgery and Biological Structure, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, Washington, USA

    L. E. Westrum

  2. Department of Anatomy, University College London, WC1E 6BT, London, England

    E. G. Gray

  3. The Center for Child Development and Mental Retardation at the University of Washington, USA

    L. E. Westrum

Authors
  1. L. E. Westrum
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  2. E. G. Gray
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Westrum, L.E., Gray, E.G. Microtubules associated with postsynaptic ‘thickenings’. J Neurocytol 6, 505–518 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01205216

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01205216

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