Fine structure of the neuromuscular junctions in the alimentary tract of phylogenetically different animal species.

Authors studied the fine structural characteristics of the neuromuscular junctions in the alimentary tract of phylogenetically different animal species. Nearly in each studied species the so-called close contacts were observable, where the sarcolemma and axolemma establish a junction; the gap of this contact is 10-100 nm wide, and the neurotransmitters can affect the muscles through non-synaptic release (exocytosis). The junctional gap is widest in the gut wall of earthworm: 100-200 nm. Only close contacts are to be found in the alimentary canal of snail, and here, the junctional gap is as narrow as 10-15 nm. Beside close contacts synaptic neuromuscular junctions also occur in the locust gut. Their fine structural organization refer to that of chemical synapses. As in the tench intestine both striated and smooth muscular elements can be found, motor endplates as well as close contacts take part in their innervation. Only close contacts are in the smooth muscular layer of domestic fowl. Authors emphasize the role of close contacts in the regulation of gut peristalsis and only secondary importance is attached to other different junctions.