Fig 6. 3D reconstruction of neuronal-epithelial cell fusion at the epithelial basal lamina.

A series of SBF-SEM images showing a mixed nerve bundle in which fusing (*) and penetrating axons (arrows) were evident (A-F). The electron dense penetrating axons passed through the basal lamina and contributed to the sub-basal plexus (F). 3D reconstruction of a mixed nerve bundle showing fusing (purple) and penetrating (white) axons (G). A large fusion area (blue) denotes neuronal fusion involving three separate epithelial cells and both penetrating (H) and fusing (I) axons. Scale bar = 2 μm.