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. 2006 Oct 17;4(11):e343. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0040343

Figure 3. Sensory Stimulation Increases Percentage of Spines Whose Bouton–Spine Interface Is Surrounded by Astrocyte.

Figure 3

The histogram shows the distribution of four classes of spines, sorted according to their degree of contact with the astrocyte (see examples of classes I–IV), expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) (unstimulated, n = 6 mice; stimulated. n = 6 mice). The percentage of spines in class IV, whose bouton–spine interface is completely surrounded by an astrocytic element, was increased significantly in stimulated mice (p < 0.03). Dendritic spines were classified into four classes, I–IV, based on the arrangement of the astrocyte at their surface. Electron micrographs of spines of each class are shown, as well as the 3D reconstruction of the whole spine to the right. (spines are indicated with an S and axonal boutons, B). Examples of spines in classes I–IV, and their reconstructions, are shown. Scale bar in lower micrograph represents 200 nm.