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The morphology of the oval nuclei of neonatal Torpedo marmorata

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Summary

The morphology of the oval nucleus of neonatal Torpedo marmorata is described at the light and electron microscopic level of examination. The nucleus is unique relative to other central electromotor centers of electric fish so far described being bilaterally symmetrical, composed of two nerve cell types, and possessing no gap junctions between neurons and their processes. This particular structural plan presents difficulties in accounting for presumed synchronous discharge since it has been strongly argued that electrotonic coupling by means of gap junctions is the primary process by which synchronization is accomplished. Close membrane apposition and dendritic bundling, common features within the nucleus, are discussed as possible alternative structural correlates.

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  1. Department of Neurochemistry, Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany

    Geoffrey Q. Fox

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  1. Geoffrey Q. Fox
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Fox, G.Q. The morphology of the oval nuclei of neonatal Torpedo marmorata . Cell Tissue Res. 178, 155–167 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219043

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