Response of lysosomes of bulbospinal motoneurons to axon section

Abstract

In the course of axon reaction, motoneurons of the cervical spinal cord and hypoglossal nucleus of the medulla oblongata may be demonstrated to show an increase in acid phosphatase activity. In the cord, this increase persists for more than six months after the initial injury. During axon reaction, involved neurons may develop swollen lysosomes measuring more than 1.2 [mu]. Reasons are given for the conclusion that lysosomal swelling, or cytolysome formation, in neurons responding to axon section is often a reversible phenomenon and does not necessarily augur cell death. Beta-glucuronidase activity of the normal and operated sides showed no difference which could be detected by the method used.