Fine structural studies of synaptogenesis in the superficial layers of the chick optic tectum

Synaptogenesis in the superficial layers of the rostral pole of the optic tectum has been studied in the chick from embryonic day six (E6) to seven days post-hatching. Symmetrical membrane densities of puncta adhaerentia are observed prior to the detection of synapses and throughout development. Immature synaptic contacts are observed by E7. These early synapses are primarily axodendritic; however, somatodendritic, dendrodendritic, axosomatic and axoglial synapses are also observed. The majority of these synapses have asymmetrical membrane densities and the presynaptic terminals contain clear, spherical, synaptic vesicles. Synaptic terminals containing pleomorphic vesicles and making symmetrical synaptic contacts are not commonly observed until the third week of embryonic development, and may represent the onset of inhibitory function within the tectum. Comparison of the number of synapses per unit area in control versus experimental tecta, after unilateral eye enucleations of E3, indicates that the presynaptic terminals of some synapses present at E8 are of retinal origin. It is suggested that the development of retinotectal synapses follows a rostrocaudal gradient in the tectum and corresponds to the intrinsic tectal pattern of cytoarchitectonic differentiation.