Nerve terminal remodeling visualized in living mice by repeated examination of the same neuron

Science. 1987 Nov 20;238(4830):1122-6. doi: 10.1126/science.3685967.

Abstract

The distribution of presynaptic endings on the surfaces of autonomic ganglion cells was mapped in living mice after intravenous administration of a styryl pyridinium dye. The staining and imaging techniques did not appear to damage the ganglion cells, or the synapses on them; these procedures could therefore be repeated after an arbitrary period. Observations of the same neurons at intervals of up to 3 weeks indicate that the pattern of preganglionic terminals on many of these nerve cells gradually changes.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Coloring Agents
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Ganglia, Parasympathetic / cytology*
  • Ganglia, Parasympathetic / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Mice
  • Nerve Endings / ultrastructure
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Pyridinium Compounds
  • Time Factors
  • Video Recording

Substances

  • 4-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-1-methylpyridinium
  • Coloring Agents
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Pyridinium Compounds