STED microscopy reveals dendrite-specificity of spines in turtle cortex

Dendritic spines are key structures for neural communication, learning and memory. Spine size and shape probably reflect synaptic strength and learning. Imaging with superresolution STED microscopy the detailed shape of the majority of the spines of individual neurons in turtle cortex (Trachemys scripta elegans) revealed several distinguishable shape classes. Dendritic spines of a given class were not distributed randomly, but rather decorated significantly more often some dendrites than others. The individuality of dendrites was corroborated by significant inter-dendrite differences in other parameters such as spine density and length. In addition, many spines were branched or possessed spinules. These findings may have implications for the role of individual dendrites in this cortex.

Automated summary

This study used superresolution STED microscopy to explore the shape and distribution characteristics of dendritic spines in the turtle cortex. The results showed that dendritic spines can be classified into several distinguishable shape categories, and spines of a given category are not randomly distributed, but rather appear more frequently on certain dendrites. Additionally, significant inter-dendrite differences in parameters such as spine density and length were observed.