Application of correlative light and scanning electron microscopy to pyramidal neuron circuits

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K14324
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: National Institute for Physiological Sciences
• Principal Investigator: KAWAGUCHI Yasuo 生理学研究所, 基盤神経科学研究領域, 教授 (40169694)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 新皮質 / シナプス構造 / 走査型電子顕微鏡 / 光顕電顕相関

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to more precisely probe the selective synaptic connectivity occurring between neuron subtypes within local cortical circuits, we have developed a scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation that allows correlative light and electron microscopy of dendrites and axons originating from specific cortical cell subtypes. Using electron staining procedures and conductive section tapes suitable for SEM, we can now overlap fluorescent and electron microscopic images. Using this technique, we have found that the size of inhibitory synaptic junctions is correlated with the diameter of postsynaptic dendrites, and identified differences in synaptic input pattern across pyramidal cells subtypes.

Free Research Field

神経科学