Figure 5. Mechanically overstimulated neuromasts showed retracted neurites and detached synaptic debris.

(A–B) Representative images of control (A) and exposed (B) neuromasts. Synaptic ribbons (magenta; Ribeye b) and PSDs (green; MAGUK) were immunolabeled; hair cells were also immunolabeled, but not shown for clarity. Afferent neurons (white) were labeled with GFP. Insets: Arrows indicate intact synapses adjacent to afferent neurons; arrowheads (B) indicate synaptic debris. Scale bars: 5 µm (main panels), 1 µm (insets). (C) Frequency histogram of observed synaptic debris per neuromast (NM). While control neuromasts occasionally had one detached synapse, exposed neuromasts were observed that had up to five detached synapses.