Exceptions to Cajal's neuron theory: communicating synapses.

Ultrastructural images of some neurons and their synaptic connections, belonging to the nucleus of the periaqueductal grey substance in the domestic cat mesencephalon, are shown. The finding that some axosomatic synapses showed an open communication between the pre- and postsynaptic portion attracted our attention. In this way a continuity is made between the presynaptic bouton of one neuron (axon) and the postsynaptic portion of the other (neuronal soma). Synapses having these interneuronal communications could be denominated communicating synapses. Accepting Cajal's neuron theory and his law of neuronal independence, it is very difficult to interpret these images. We wonder if this type of communicating synapses could be the exception that proves the rule of the neuron independence.