The fine structure of the feline superior vestibular nucleus: Identification and synaptology of the primary vestibular afferents

摘要: Abstract The superior vestibular nucleus of the cat and its primary afferents were examined by light electron microscopy. branch within in a sheet-like pattern, transverse plane. dendritic fields many secondary neurons are shaped like discs also oriented This relation between may be relevant to convergence innervating particular endorgans onto neurons. Synaptic boutons SV divided into 3 putative types on basis size shape their synaptic vesicles. afferent bouton was identified comparing two sides after unilateral lesions ganglion. Its contain round vesicles 40 nm average diameter associated with prominent postsynaptic densities; other smaller, vesicles, pleomorphic largely contact proximal dendrites, appendages, cell somata In animals receiving ganglion allowed survive long enough for disappear (5–6 days), there occurs denervated as compared normal SV: (1) decrease fraction somal surface covered small vesicles; (2) ratio: number addition, appears lesioned side new group smaller than those from control side. These observations suggest plastic changes response deafferentation, related marked behavioral recovery which few days lesion