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The Journal of General Physiology, Vol 60, 148-165, Copyright © 1972 by The Rockefeller University Press

ARTICLE

Neural Organization of the Median Ocellus of the Dragonfly

II. Synaptic structure



John E. Dowling 1 and Richard L. Chappell 1

1 From The Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, The Biological Laboratories, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, and the Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York 10021

Two types of presumed synaptic contacts have been recognized by electron microscopy in the synaptic plexus of the median ocellus of the dragonfly. The first type is characterized by an electron-opaque, button-like organelle in the presynaptic cytoplasm, surrounded by a cluster of synaptic vesicles. Two postsynaptic elements are associated with these junctions, which we have termed button synapses. The second synaptic type is characterized by a dense cluster of synaptic vesicles adjacent to the presumed presynaptic membrane. One postsynaptic element is observed at these junctions. The overwhelming majority of synapses seen in the plexus are button synapses. They are found most commonly in the receptor cell axons where they synaptically contact ocellar nerve dendrites and adjacent receptor cell axons. Button synapses are also seen in the ocellar nerve dendrites where they appear to make synapses back onto receptor axon terminals as well as onto adjacent ocellar nerve dendrites. Reciprocal and serial synaptic arrangements between receptor cell axon terminals, and between receptor cell axon terminals and ocellar nerve dendrites are occasionally seen. It is suggested that the lateral and feedback synapses in the median ocellus of the dragonfly play a role in enhancing transients in the postsynaptic responses.

Submitted on January 4, 1972


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