Biochemical and morphological correlates of transmitter type in C2, an identified histaminergic neuron in Aplysia

There is compelling evidence that histamine serves as a neurotransmitter in C2, a pair of symmetrical neurons in the cerebral ganglion of Aplysia californica. These cells had previously been shown to contain high concentrations both of histamine and of its biosynthetic enzyme, histidine decarboxylase; in addition, 3H-histamine injected intrasomatically was found to move along C2's axons by fast transport. Furthermore, several actions of C2 on identified follower cells were simulated by the application of histamine. We have now characterized this identified neuron further. C2 converts 3H-histidine to histamine: 16% of the labeled precursor was converted to histamine 1 hour after intrasomatic injection. Synthesis of 3H-histamine is specific, since no conversion occurred after injection of other identified Aplysia neurons that are known to use other neurotransmitter substances. We also examined the fine structure of C2's cell body, axons, and axon terminals within the cerebral ganglion and in the nerves that carry its three peripheral branches, identified after injection of Lucifer Yellow, 3H-histamine, or horseradish peroxidase. Characteristic dense-core vesicles are present in all regions of the neuron, and are labeled after intrasomatic injection of 3H-histamine. These 100-nm vesicles together with 60-nm electron-lucent vesicles fill the varicose extensions of C2's neurites that are widely distributed within the ganglion, but only the smaller vesicles cluster at the membrane specializations presumed to be active zones that make contact with many neurons. The widespread distribution of axon terminals and varicosities is consistent with the idea that C2 is modulatory in function; 3H-histamine is taken up selectively by the cell body and axons of C2 and of several other putative histaminergic neurons in a Na+ -dependent manner. Characterization of these biochemical and morphological features of C2 adds to the large amount of information already available to make this identified cell a standard for identifying other neurons that use histamine as a transmitter.