Myenteric neurons express electrophysiological and morphological diversity in tissue culture

Abstract

Intracellular recordings were taken from neurons of the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig caecum grown in tissue culture. Subsequently horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into the same neurons for examination by light and electron microscopy. Neurons showed a variety of electrophysiological responses, including S- and AH-cell type behavior, similar to those reported for myenteric neurons in situ, and depolarization to iontophoresis of acetylcholine. Neurons resembling Dogiel type I, type II and intermediate forms, and nerve varicosities which contained small agranular, large granular or large opaque vesicles were observed.