Figure 1 (IMAGE)
Caption
A 3D reconstructed synaptic structure capturing glial phagocytosis. A represents part of a 3D reconstructed Purkinje cell dendrite (yellow). Multiple spines are found at a high density along the dendrite. In many of the spines, aberrant protrusions were found (protrusions from the spine are colored in red). These protrusions were observed at a high frequency in tissue taken from the mouse cerebellum after motor learning. The protrusions were engulfed by Bergmann glia processes. Images were captured by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and 3D reconstructed using computer software. B shows a close up of a presynaptic bouton (cyan) and a postsynaptic spine (yellow). Red represents the synaptic contact plane of the pre and postsynaptic specializations. Normal synaptic structures are shown in semi-transparent colors. The synaptic structures engulfed by Bergmann glia processes are shown in opaque colors. A portion of both pre and postsynaptic structures are undergoing phagocytosis by Bergmann glia, which results in volume reduction of the synaptic structure. Phagocytosis of the synaptic structure by glia was found more frequently in brain tissue taken after motor learning.
Credit
Morizawa & Matsui
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