The lobster optic lamina. III Degeneration of retinula cell endings

Abstract

Summary In experimentally damaged lobster eyes, the degeneration of retinula cell terminations is at first rapid, but even after 15 days the degenerated endings are not completely eliminated. Degeneration is marked by an accumulation of vesicles and mitochondria, which results in increased osmiophilia of the ending. Synaptic ribbons and spines disappear in the first few days. Processes of glial cells are involved in the gradual disappearance of degenerating endings. There is no remarkable transneuronal degeneration except for loss of postsynaptic spines. Transverse fibres maintain their synaptic contacts with the ganglion cell axons.