Regional specialization in synaptic input and output in an identified local nonspiking interneuron of the crayfish revealed by light and electron microscopy.

Lateral inhibition of several mechanosensory interneurons in the crayfish terminal ganglion is mediated by a pair of identified local nonspiking interneurons called local directionally selective (LDS) interneurons. The ultrastructure and synaptic distribution of these interneurons were investigated by using intracellular labeling with horseradish peroxidase for electron microscopy. The LDS interneuron has bilateral, asymmetric arborizations. They are connected by a thick transverse neurite on which no synapses are made. The neurites on the side ipsilateral to the cell body are smooth and receive almost entirely input synapses. On the other hand, the contralateral neurites have prominent numerous swellings or varicosities from which many short fine spines arise, with intermingled input and output synapses. Both synapses, however, are not always associated with varicosities and spines. Presynaptic neurites of the LDS interneuron contain only round agranular synaptic vesicles in the vicinity of synaptic specializations. These morphological findings correlate well with the physiology of this interneuron: it is functionally polarized to receive input on one side (ipsilateral to the cell body) of the ganglion and convey it to the other side.