Zinc-enriched boutons in rat spinal cord

The rat spinal cord reveals a complex pattern of zinc-enriched (ZEN) bouton s. As a result of in vivo exposure to selenide ions. nanosized clusters of zinc selenide are created in places where zinc ions are present, including the zinc-containing synaptic vesicles of ZEN boutons. The clusters can be s ilver enhanced by autometallographic (AMG) development. A description of th e ZEN bouton patterns is presented and discussed. The distribution of ZEN b outons could indicate that these terminal systems have a differentiated inf luence on sensory and motor systems. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.