[The ultrastructure of the inferior olivary complex in the ground squirrel (Citellus citellus L.). Are-related changes in the dendrites]

The morphological characteristics of the elements of the neuropile in the lower olivary complex in ground squirrels at various age were studied by an electron microscope. The peculiarities in the ultrastructure of dendrite profiles, synaptic contacts on their surface and in the content of the complex synaptic connections and glomeruli. In this nuclear complex of ground squirrels--under the conditions of hibernation as well as in old very obese ground squirrels during all seasons there were a series of changes in the ultrastructure of dendrites such as: myelin-like figures, a large number of vacuoles, an accumulation of elderly pigment at the base of proximal dendrites and free postsynaptic-like condensations C. The changes in the dendrites, which occur during various functional states as well during aging, are discussed on the basis of the analysis on ultrastructural peculiarities of elements of the neuropile in the lower olivary complex in ground squirrels at various age.