Changes in the configuration of synaptic membranes of the human brain in aging and vascular pathology

The structure of synapses in the brain of persons who had died of aging and vascular disease was studied by electron microscopy which indicated synaptic contacts with the convex and concave surface of pre- and postsynaptic membranes. There were also synapses with more complicated alterations in the configuration of synaptic membranes. The functional significance of the phenomenon is discussed in the paper. It is assumed that the alterations in the curvature of synaptic membranes are manifestation of plasticity of a synapse and they are of compensatory value.