Reconstructions Produced by the
Cerebral Cortex Group, Laboratory of 3-Dimensional Imaging
Ben-Gurion University
Beer Sheva, Israel
We have developed a unique, computerized, electron microscopic
3-D reconstruction system to facilitate the collection and analysis
of fine structural data. Shown at right are reconstructions of cell
bodies layer V pyramids from mouse somatosensory cortex.
In comparison with traditional photographic approaches, this new
system, featuring digital capture and storage, reduces the time
needed to store EM images by ~45 times, and the time for making 3-D
reconstructions by ~7 times.
Particularly relevant to Neuroscientific studies is the capability
of representing a reconstructed axon or dendrite as a straight line
plot showing precisely the spatial distribution of synapses indicated
on the reconstruction.
Current projects using the new system include:
- Determining synaptic patterns in developing mouse barrels.
- Correlation of synaptic patterns with functional activity.
- Development of synaptic patterns involving synapses of
thalamocortical afferents.
- Plotting the distribution of terminals containing parvalbumin
onto the somata of callosal projection cells; an example of this is
shown at left.
Related sites:
Below is a reconstruction of ~1,200 thin sections through part of the
apical dendrite a layer V pyramidal neuron. Actual length = approx.
120 microns.
