ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Axons
;
Dendrites
;
Microtubules
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum
;
Synapses
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Electron microscopic studies of neural processes in the cerebellum, optic tectum, and cerebral hemisphere of the frog reveal a distinctive system of SER cisternae lying at intervals (commonly 1–2 μm apart) perpendicular to the long axis of axons and dendrites, interconnected by tubular, longitudinally orientated SER elements, and in direct continuity with the outer membrane of mitochondria. The transverse cisternae are fenestrated, with a single mierotubule (or rarely, two) passing through the centre of each 50–75 nm fenestration. Extensions of the SER-microtubule complex may be located parasynaptically in axon terminals and dendrites. The SER of dendritic spines also appears to be continuous with the fenestrated cisternae. Possible roles for the specialized SER (particularly of the parasynaptic extensions), such as calcium ion sequestration and ATP or monoamine oxidase transport, are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00335058
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