Growth cone and dendrite dynamics in zebrafish embryos: early events in synaptogenesis imaged in vivo

Citation
Jd. Jontes et al., Growth cone and dendrite dynamics in zebrafish embryos: early events in synaptogenesis imaged in vivo, NAT NEUROSC, 3(3), 2000, pp. 231-237
Citations number
34
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
ISSN journal
10976256 → ACNP
Volume
3
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
231 - 237
Database
ISI
SICI code
1097-6256(200003)3:3<231:GCADDI>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
We used time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to observe the growth of Mauthne r cell axone and their postsynaptic targets, the primary motor neurons, in spinal cords of developing zebrafish embryos. Upon reaching successive moto r neurons, the Mauthner growth cone paused briefly before continuing along its path. Varicosities formed at regular intervals and were preferentially associated with the target regions of the primary motor neurons. In additio n, the postsynaptic motor neurons showed highly dynamic filopodia, which tr ansiently interacted with both the growth cone and the axon. Both Mauthner cell and motor neurons were highly active, each showing motility sufficient to initiate synaptogenesis.