Using freeze-fracture techniques, we have analyzed the glial-axonal junction (GAJ) between Schwann cells and axons in the peripheral nervous system, and between oligodendrocytes and axons in the central nervous system of the rat. We have identified a new set of dimeric-particles arranged in circumferential rows within the protoplasmic fracture faces (P-faces) of the paranodal axolemma in the region of glial-axonal juxtaposition. These particles, 260 A in length, composed of two 115-A subunits, are observed in both aldehyde-fixed and nonfixed preparations. The rows of dimeric-particles within the axonal P-face are associated with complementary rows of pits within the external fracture face (E-face) of the paranodal axolemma. These axonal particles are positioned between rows of 160-A particles that occur in both fracture faces of the glial loops in the same region. We observed, in addition to these previously described 160-A particles, a new set of 75-A glial particles within the glial P-faces of the GAJ. These 75-A particles form rows that are centered between the rows of 160-A particles and are therefore superimposed over the rows of dimeric-particles within the paranodal axolemma. Our new findings are interpreted with respect to methods of specimen preparation as well as to a potential role for the paranodal organ in saltatory conduction. We conclude that this particle-rich junction between axon and glia could potentially provide an intricate mechanism for ion exchange between these two cell types.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
1 February 1980
Article|
February 01 1980
Rows of dimeric-particles within the axolemma and juxtaposed particles within glia, incorporated into a new model for the paranodal glial-axonal junction at the node of Ranvier.
C A Wiley
M H Ellisman
Online ISSN: 1540-8140
Print ISSN: 0021-9525
J Cell Biol (1980) 84 (2): 261–280.
Citation
C A Wiley, M H Ellisman; Rows of dimeric-particles within the axolemma and juxtaposed particles within glia, incorporated into a new model for the paranodal glial-axonal junction at the node of Ranvier.. J Cell Biol 1 February 1980; 84 (2): 261–280. doi: https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.84.2.261
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Could not validate captcha. Please try again.
Sign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionSuggested Content
Email alerts
Advertisement
Advertisement