Functional characterization of types of plasma membranes in cerebral cortex.

The cerebral cortex of normal oxygenated and of asphyxiated mice has been studied by freeze-fracturing technique with a twofold purpose. First, to investigate changes, if any, in the molecular organization of the plasma membrane of any specific cell type(s) that could be correlated with permeability changes thought to take place as a consequence of asphyxiation. Secondly, to attempt characterization of plasma membranes on the basis of the organization of their fractured faces. The decrease in the extracellular material in asphyxiated cerebral cortex seen in electron micrographs of thin sections could not be correlated with change(s), if any, in the molecular organization of the plasma membrane of any particular cell type. Plasma membranes of various types could be characterized on the basis of the arrangement of particles on the fractured faces. Some of these types correspond to identifiable cell processes, while others have not yet been identified with certainty. Fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane is mediated through clustering of 100-150 A membrane-associated particles.