An unusual cell in the central nervous system of Hirudo medicinalis L.: a neuron with ribbons and flags

SummaryA neuron (cell 151) with the ability to silence efferent activity in the roots of a leech segmental ganglion was filled with horseradish peroxidase and studied by light-and electron microscopy. The neurites of cell 151 penetrate all areas of the neuropile except for a thin ventral layer. The branching pattern of the secondary neurites is highly variable. Post-and presynaptic structures of chemical synapses with clear vesicles of 25 nm diameter were identified. Neurites are mostly wrapped in glia and run in bundles among other axons. They frequently form “ribbons” which are 20–40 nm thick, extend several microns away from the dendrite and are followed up to 3 μm in depth. They also form “flags” which are 0.5 μm thick, spread out 10–20 μm horizontally and run up to 80 μm laterally. Both structures lie adjacent to or wrap around axons of other neurons, forming a gap of 8–10 nm. Flags and ribbons are typical for glia but have not been described previously as structures of neurons. Contralateral cells 151 appose each other in the commissures with a gap of 5–10 nm. The possible functional significance of these findings is discussed with respect to electrical coupling and to reception of strain.