Ultrastructure of neurons and large synaptic terminals in the lateral nucleus of the trapezoid body of the cat.

摘要: Neurons of the lateral nucleus trapezoid body (LNTB), most prominent periolivary cat superior olivary complex, form an important component descending auditory pathways and also innervate medial olive. Cells forming posteroventral subnucleus (pvLNTB), when investigated by light microscopy, exhibit morphological similarities with globular bushy cells cochlear principal body. These latter two cell types are integral components brainstem circuitry mediating early stages sound localization. In this report, ultrastructural features LNTB neurons described. pvLNTB bodies characterized a round to oval shape, smooth nuclear membrane, relative paucity stacks rough endoplasmic reticulum. addition, proximal dendrites contacted large synaptic terminals which contain vesicles multiple asymmetric junctions. characteristics similar those previously described for distinguish from main subnucleus. Large contacting specialized organelle assembly, including adherens plaque associated filamentous strands mitochondrion. We name assembly mitochondria-associated complex (MAC) note its proximity Because high activity rates characteristic in lower system, MAC may play role membrane stabilization at synapses generate vesicle turnover. J. Comp. Neurol. 398:257–272, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.