Age-related changes in synaptic vesicle pools of axo-dendritic synapses on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in mice

Authors: Nikonenko, A.; Skibo, G.

Source: Neurophysiology, Volume 38, Numbers 5-6, September 2006 , pp. 344-347(4)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The ultrastructure of symmetric (putatively inhibitory) axo-dendritic synapses on the membrane of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons was investigated in young (20-day-old) and adult (1-year-old) mice. It was shown that synapses of adult animals contain, on average, fewer synaptic vesicles (SVs), and resting SVs of the reserve pool are mostly responsible for this difference. At the same time, in the synapses of adult mice SVs are localized closer to active zones, and the readily releasable pool of SVs is larger in these animals than in young mice. The observed changes in the spatial structure of SV pools presumably demonstrate the age-associated adaptation of inhibitory synapses providing the maintenance of adequate functional properties of hippocampal neuronal networks.

Keywords: age-associated changes; axo-somatic synapses; hippocampus; spatial patterns; synaptic vesicles

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11062-006-0069-z

Affiliations: 1: Email: agn@biph.kiev.ua

Publication date: 2006-09-01