Three-dimensional analysis of synapses of hippocampal neurons in culture

The following work focuses on a three - dimensional analysis and reconstruction of synapses. The central nervous system contains approximately 100 billion neurons, with about 1.000 synapses per neuron. Synapses serve as a point of contact between two neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell. To investigate the synaptic structure we used electron microscopic sectional images of hippocampal neurons in culture. We studied the different synaptic organelles that are important for synaptic transmission. Vacuoles, synaptic vesicles, mitochondria as well as the active zone, have been marked to get an impression of their total numbers, volumes and spatial distribution. The aim of this project is to construct a three-dimensional model of a synapse which could be used for further investigation concerning the function of their organelles in synaptic reactions. Moreover, it would be desirable to make a contribution to understand pathological processes that affect the synaptic impulse conduction. In addition, a deeper insight of neurodegeneration in diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease might be gained, as well as an improved opportunity of medical intervention by using substances that modulate presynaptic function.2020-07-0