Neurocyte syncytial connections: are they found in ganglia of the intermuscular and of the submucous intestine plexuses?

Abstract

Are there syncytial links in the nervous system? A long and revolving discussion on this issue has not come to a close until present day. However, the evidence of neurocyte syncytial connections in various parts of the nervous system has been received both at the light - optical and the electron - microscopic levels. Nevertheless, the opponents of syncytial links have cast doubt on the credibility of this evidence, Thus, the data obtained by means of light microscopy have been documented by pictures instead of photomicrography whereas the electron microscopy data are considered to be artefacts. The aim of the research is to establish neurocyte syncytial connections in the ganglia of the intermuscular and the sub - mucous intestine plexus. In the article present the study of split specimens (n=179) of the intestinal wall of mature outbred cats (n=5). All the elements of the intermuscular and the sub - mucous nerve plexus were revealed by intra and extravascular impregnation with silver salts. The neurocyte syncytial connections in the ganglia are by two varieties: as fusion of neurocyte bodies and formation of a common process by the two neurocytes.