The synaptic organization of the cerebello-olivary circuit

Section of the superior cerebellar peduncle just rostral to the deep cerebellar nuclei results in degenerating axon terminals within the contralateral inferior olive. The nuclear origin of this fiber system and its distribution within the subdivisions of the inferior olive were described in a companion study (Martin et al., 1976). Precise localization of these degenerating terminals within the nucleus was accomplished by the examination of 1 mu plastic sections cut from each tissue block prior to thin sectioning. Degenerating axon terminals are present in all the nuclear subdivisions and when seen with the electron microscope they frequently are localized in the previously described synaptic clusters (King, 1976). These terminals demonstrate an electron dense reaction at survival times of 2 and 3 days. By day 4, they are shrunken and irregular in shape, and typically are surrounded by astrocyte processes. Cerebello-olivary axon terminals measure 1-3 mu, contain spherical, clear synaptic vesicles and typically contact spiny appendages within the synaptic clusters (glomeruli). Thus, we have demonstrated that one of the primary axon systems which terminates within the synaptic clusters is from the cerebellar nuclei. We have yet to determine the origins of the remaining terminals within the synaptic clusters which include endings with either smaller spherical, pleomorphic or numerous dense core vesicles.