海马神经元新连接结构的初步原子力显微观察

Direct Membranous Connection Structures Between Hippocampal Neurons Imaged with Atomic Force Microscopy

目的:利用原子力显微技术(AFM)观察原代培养的海马神经元超微结构及其相互间的连接结构。方法:选择生长良好的海马神经元,用戊二醛固定30min后,固定于AFM基底上进行扫描和观测。结果:正常海马神经元表面光滑,起伏均匀、规律,突起及细胞之间的超微结构清晰,神经元胞体间存在膜性连接及长程非突触性突起连接。结论:神经元间存在直接膜性连接和长程非突触性突起连接结构。

Objective： To investigate the ultrastructure and the connection structures between primarily cultured hippocampal neurons with atomic force microscopy （AFM）. Methods： Well-growing neurons were fixed with glutaraldehyde for 30 min, the bottom of the culture dish with the interesting structures was rapidly cut into appropriate sheets and immobilized onto the base of AFM, which was then put onto the top of the AFM scanner in the atmosphere chamber for imaging. Results： Normal hippocampal neurons displayed smooth membrane surface with even and regular undulation. Continuous membranous junctions（CMJ） between two closely adjacent neurons and the non-synaptic neurite connection（NSNC） between two remote neurons were found. Conclusion： There are CMJ between two closely adjacent neurons and NSNC between two remote neurons.