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Related Experiment Videos

Novel arthropod cell junctions with restrictive intercellular 'linkers'.

N J Lane1

  • 1AFRC Unit, Department of Zoology, Cambridge, U.K.

Journal of Neurocytology
|October 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Primitive arthropods possess unique glial cell junctions, termed "linker" junctions, distinct from those in more evolved species. These novel structures may limit the passage of substances into the central nervous system (CNS).

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Peripheral glial cells in primitive arthropods' CNS feature unusual intercellular junctions.
  • These junctions differ from those found in more evolved arthropods like insects and arachnids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the novel intercellular junctions in the peripheral glial cells of Myriapoda and Limulus.
  • To investigate the potential role of these 'linker' junctions in regulating substance passage into the CNS.

Main Methods:

  • Freeze-cleave electron microscopy to visualize junctional structures.
  • Analysis of intercellular clefts and intramembranous particles (IMPs).
  • Exogenous tracer experiments to assess permeability.

Main Results:

  • Myriapoda exhibit filamentous 'linkers' between gap junctions, reducing but not blocking intercellular clefts.
  • Limulus glial cells show linear IMP arrays associated with gap junctions, without complete membrane fusion.
  • These 'linker' junctions are distinct from tight or septate junctions and appear to restrict tracer penetration.

Conclusions:

  • Identified a novel category of intercellular junction, 'linker' junctions, in primitive arthropods.
  • These junctions represent a unique structural adaptation in glial cell communication.
  • The 'linker' junctions may play a role in forming a barrier within the peripheral glial sheath of the CNS.

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