Distribution of synapses on an intracellularly labeled small pyramidal neuron in the cat motor cortex

The morphological characteristics and distribution of synapses on a small pyramidal neuron in layer III of the cat motor cortex have been studied by combining intracellular HRP staining and electron microscopic examination. The stained neuron showed spiny apical and basal dendritic profiles under the light microscope, and exhibited the morphological features of a pyramidal neuron. Ultrastructural analysis indicated that about 80% of the presynaptic terminals formed asymmetrical synapses with spines of distal apical and basal dendrites. On proximal apical dendrites, 64% of the synapses were found to make contact with spines, and 16.7% of the synapses were of symmetrical type and formed with dendritic shafts. Two types of terminal could be identified on the soma; they were alternately located and established symmetrical and asymmetrical synaptic contacts respectively. Possible functional implications are discussed.