Input and output synapses on identified motor neurones of a locust revealed by the intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase.

Physiologically characterised motor neurones in the thoracic ganglia of the locus were injected with horseradish peroxidase in order that the spatial relationship between their input and output synapses could be observed with the electron microscope. A modification in the development procedure for the peroxidase ensured that the internal fine structure of the stained neurones was not obscured by the diaminobenzidine reaction product. Input and output synapses may occur within 1 micrometer of each other on the neuropilar processes of the motor neurones. This supports physiological evidence that motor neurones may be involved in local circuit interactions within the thoracic ganglia.