Morphological arrangement between astrocytes and trigeminal mesencephalic primary afferent neurons in the rat

The arrangement between astrocytes and the primary afferent neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Me5) was analyzed in a light and electron microscopy immunocytochemistry study using anti-GFAP antibodies. It appears that each Me5 neuron is almost entirely sheathed with astrocytic processes radiating out from two or more astrocytes. Ultrastructural observations confirmed the embracement of Me5 neurons by astrocytic processes that only allowed some synaptic contacts on the neuronal surface. The possible functional significance of this intimate morphological relationship for the mesencephalic trigeminal neurons is discussed.