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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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Transmission Electron Microscopy as the Visualization Technique for Analysis of Circadian Synaptic Plasticity in the Mouse Barrel Cortex
Published on: August 19, 2025
In vivo time-lapse imaging and serial section electron microscopy reveal developmental synaptic rearrangements
Jianli Li1, Alev Erisir, Hollis Cline
1The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Neuron
|January 26, 2011
Summary
Neural circuit development involves dynamic changes in dendrites and axons. Stable branches show sparser, mature synapses, while dynamic ones have denser, immature synapses, revealing microcircuit refinement mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendrites, axons, and synapses exhibit dynamic behavior during neural circuit development.
- Changes in microcircuit connections during branch stabilization remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate synaptic changes on individual neurons during microcircuit development.
- To correlate synaptic properties with dendritic and axonal arbor dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vivo time-lapse imaging of Xenopus tectal neurons.
- Combined imaging with electron microscope reconstructions of neurons.
- Analyzed synapse distribution, ultrastructure, and arbor dynamics over hours to days.
Main Results:
- Dynamic dendrites displayed a high density of immature synapses.
- Stable dendrites exhibited sparser, mature synapses.
- Axons formed contacts via multisynapse boutons on stable branches, with connections refined by decreased convergence and divergence.
Conclusions:
- Microcircuit refinement involves decreasing synaptic convergence and divergence.
- Visual deprivation and NMDAR antagonists impaired synapse maturation and elimination.
- Coactive input activity appears crucial for regulating synapse elimination and maturation during microcircuit development.
