Journal Article

FZJ-2015-07899

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Development of Synaptic Boutons in Layer 4 of the Barrel Field of the Rat Somatosensory Cortex: A Quantitative Analysis

Dufour, A. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Rollenhagen, A.FZJ* ; Sätzler, K. ; Lübke, J.FZJ*

2016
Oxford Univ. Press Oxford

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/9714  doi:10.1093/cercor/bhv270

Abstract: Understanding the structural and functional mechanisms underlying the development of individual brain microcircuits is critical for elucidating their computational properties. As synapses are the key structures defining a given microcircuit, it is imperative to investigate their development and precise structural features. Here, synapses in cortical layer 4 were analyzed throughout the first postnatal month using high-end electron microscopy to generate realistic quantitative 3D models. Besides their overall geometry, the size of active zones and the pools of synaptic vesicles were analyzed. At postnatal day 2 only a few shaft synapses were found, but spine synapses steadily increased with ongoing corticogenesis. From postnatal day 2 to 30 synaptic boutons significantly decreased in size whereas that of active zones remained nearly unchanged despite a reshaping. During the first 2 weeks of postnatal development, a rearrangement of synaptic vesicles from a loose distribution toward a densely packed organization close to the presynaptic density was observed, accompanied by the formation of, first a putative readily releasable pool and later a recycling and reserve pool. The quantitative 3D reconstructions of synapses will enable the comparison of structural and functional aspects of signal transduction thus leading to a better understanding of networks in the developing neocortex.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Molekulare Organisation des Gehirns (INM-2)

Research Program(s):

1. 571 - Connectivity and Activity (POF3-571) (POF3-571)

Appears in the scientific report 2016

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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