Calcium-containing Electron-dense Structures in the Axons of the Squid Giant Synapse

Following the Oschman and Wall technique, electron-dense structures (EDS) were found on unstained, unosmicated membranes of squid giant synapse axons. These densities contain high concentrations of calcium and phosphorus as identified by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Based on the signal strength, the quantity is significantly greater than that of other regions of the membrane or tissue spaces. The calcium EDS occur as plaques or globules along the axonic membrane, and small globules are found between sheath cell processes. EDS also occur at the synaptic site. These densities were correlated with the opacity change seen in giant axons. It is proposed that these structures represent sites where the calcium-binding protein found by other investigators has become nearly saturated with calcium.