An ultrastructural study of sympathetic ganglion satellite cells in the rat 1. Normal and x-ray irradiated satellite cells

Abstract

SummaryThe ultrastructure of normal and irradiated satellite cells of the rat superior cervical ganglia was studied. Each neuron is closely and completely invested by satellite cell cytoplasm. The satellite cell cytoplasm usually contains a number of mitochondria, granular endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome-like bodies, filaments, microtubules, lipid droplets, centriole and cilia. The satellite cell also encloses presynaptic nerve endings, and other nerwe fibers. X-ray irradiation produces several changes in the satellite cells. These include: (a) increased nuclear density, (b) marked local widening of the perinuclear space, (c) dilation of granular endoplasmic reticulum and loss of attached ribosomes, (d) swelling of mitochondria with disorganization of mitochondrial cristae and loss of matrix, (e) increase in the number of vacuoles, and (f) increase in the number, size and contents of lysosome-like bodies.

An ultrastructural study of sympathetic ganglion satellite cells in the rat 2. Effect of preganglionic sympathectomy

“…The satellite cells in the control ganglia appeared similar to the normal satellite cells described previously (Chang et al, 1973). However, the satellite cells in the ganglia that underwent preganglionic denervation were altered considerably.…”

“…Portions of the cisternal membranes displayed a loss of atta&ed ribosomes. These alterations in the endoplasmic reticulum were similar to those in the sympathetic ganglia exposed to x-ray irradiation (Chang et al, 1973). However, the dilation of the cisternae was more marked in satellite ceils of sympathectomized ganglia than in those of irradiated ganglia.…”

“…However, only a few studies related to the pathology of the satellite cells of the sympathetic ganglia have been published * Present address: Dr. W. Wo~niak, Department of Anatomy, Medical Academy of Poznafi, 6 Swiecicki Street, Poznafi, Poland. Nicolescu et al, 1966;Chang et al, 1973). Forssrnann et aI.…”

“…(1966) pointed out that an increase in the number of vacuoles was found in satellite cells of the irradiated superior cervical ganglion of the rat. Marked widening of the perinuclear space, dilation of the granular endoplasmic reticulum, and swelling of the mitochondria, as well as an increased number of vacuoles, were described by Chang et al (1973) in the satellite cells of irradiated sympathetic ganglia of the rat.…”