[Effect of hypoxia on the structure of the presynaptic grid of the interneuronal contacts of the rat neocortex]

Abstract

Hypoxic effect (a 6 minute asphyxia) on the presynaptic grid structure and on the amount of synapses in the neocortex has been studied in white rats using the method of selective staining of synapses with phosphoric tungsten acid. Neurofilamentous formations of the presynaptic grid appeared to be most labile structures. Dense projections of the presynaptic grid are most sensitive to hypoxia: their height, distinctness of the frame, and the intensity degree of phosphoric tungsten acid staining decrease. The content of intermediate form contacts with low indistict dense projections increases with the increase in the number of light type changed synapses. The principle organization of the presynaptic grid does not change in the posthypoxic period: hexagonal division of dense projections and places of vesicular attachment are kept. The hypertrophy of the presynaptic grid is also kept during that process.