ISSN:
1059-910X
Keywords:
Identified neurons
;
Quantification
;
Rotating/tilting
;
Synaptic contacts
;
Electron microscopy
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Natural Sciences in General
Notes:
With the classical Golgi techniques, numerous types of neurons can be distinguished in the cerebral cortex, each with a specific dendritic geometry and pattern of axonal ramifications. In the present review we describe two techniques which allow quantification of synapses on identified neurons: (1) Golgi-rapid impregnation-gold toning-electron microscopy, and (2) Golgi-Kopsch impregnation-gold toning-electron microscopy in combination with staining of the tissue with ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E-PTA). Both techniques were applied on neurons in the visual cortex of young and adult rabbits. By means of rotating and tilting specimens in the electron microscope, the nondistinctive ultrastructure of obliquely sectioned synapses can be circumvented, leading to precise estimates of asymmetrical vs. symmetrical synapses without complete reconstruction of the neuron. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
9 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jemt.1070230408