Defining classes of spinal interneuron and their axonal projections in hatchling Xenopus laevis tadpoles

• DOI: 10.1002/cne.1410
• Publication Date: 2002-08-25T21:17:12Z
• Authors: W.‐C. Li; R. Perrins; S.R. Soffe; M. Yoshida; A. Walford; Alan Roberts
• Keywords: Interneuron; Commissure

Neurobiotin was injected into individual spinal interneurons in the Xenopus tadpole to discern their anatomical features and complete axonal projection patterns. Four classes of interneuron are described, with names defining primary axon projection: Dorsolateral ascending commissural predominantly multipolar cells somata dendrites exclusively dorsal half cord. Ascending have unipolar located half, but main ventral Descending show bigger variance anatomy, majority unipolar, they all a descending axon. clearly defined using established criteria, others not, so cluster analysis used. Clear discriminations can be made, criteria characterize three ipsilateral projections. With identifying established, distribution patterns four described. By data from gamma-aminobutyric acid immunocytochemistry, population is defined. Together results data, this allows along cord estimated. making simple assumptions existing information about soma distributions other interneurons, estimates made. The possible functional roles discussed.