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Subsurface cisterna-lined axonal invaginations and double-walled vesicles at the axonal-myelin sheath interface
Yan-Chao Li1, Yong-Nan Li, Chang-Xie Cheng
1Department of Anatomy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato Tamaho-Cho, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan. ldlyc@yahoo.com
Neuroscience Research
|September 1, 2005
Summary
Specialized vesicles and axonal invaginations were found at the vertebrate axon-myelin sheath interface. These structures suggest potential intercellular macromolecular transport across the periaxonal cleft, impacting nerve function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- The axonal-myelin sheath interface in vertebrate myelinated axons exhibits complex structures.
- The possibility of intercellular macromolecular traffic across the periaxonal cleft has been hypothesized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specialized structures at the axonal-myelin sheath interface.
- To explore potential mechanisms for macromolecular transport in this region.
Main Methods:
- Conventional electron microscopy was employed.
- Serial sectioning techniques were utilized to analyze structures in detail.
Main Results:
- A novel category of double-walled vesicles was identified at the axonal-myelin sheath interface.
- These vesicles contained ribosome-like particles or endoplasmic reticulum and some connected to the axon via a stalk.
- A distinct type of axonal invagination, possibly involving subsurface cisternae, was also observed.
Conclusions:
- The identified vesicles and axonal invaginations represent specialized structures at the axonal-myelin sheath interface.
- These findings support the hypothesis of intercellular macromolecular traffic in the periaxonal space.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the functional implications of these structures in axonal transport and nerve function.
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