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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Tom Binzegger
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To understand the rules by which axons lay down their synaptic boutons we analyzed the linear bouton distributions in 39 neurons (23 spiny, 13 smooth) and 3 thalamic axons, which were filled intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) during in vivo experiments in cat area 17. The variation of the total number of boutons and the total axonal length was large (789-7,912 boutons, 12-126 mm). The overall linear bouton density for smooth cells was higher than that of spiny cells and thalamic afferents (mean +/- sd, 110 +/- 21 and 78 +/- 27 boutons per mm of axonal length). The distribution of boutons varied according to their location on the tree. Distal axon collaterals (first and second order segments in Horton-Strahler ordering) of smooth neurons had a 3.5 times higher, spiny cells and thalamic afferents a 2 times higher bouton density compared to the higher order (more proximal) segments. The distribution of interbouton intervals was positively skewed and similar for cells of the same type. In most cases a gamma-distribution fitted well, but the distributions had a tendency to have a heavier tail. To a first approximation these bouton distributions are consistent with both diffuse and specific models of interneuronal connections. Quite simple rules can explain these distributions and the connections between the different classes of neurons.
Author(s): Binzegger T; Anderson JC; Douglas RJ; Martin KAC
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Neurocytology
Year: 2002
Volume: 31
Issue: 3-5
Pages: 211-229
ISSN (print): 0300-4864
ISSN (electronic): 1573-7381
Publisher: Springer
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1024113707630
DOI: 10.1023/A:1024113707630
Notes: 3*
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