[Ultrastructural changes in the supraoptica-neurohypophyseal system after induction of lesions in the pituitary stalk in rats]

Abstract

Fine structural changes occurring in the supraoptic nucleus and the neural lobe have been studied in rats following the electrolytic lesion of the hypophysial stalk. Supraoptic neurosecretory neurones undergo a typical chromatolytic reaction. In addition, proliferating microglial cells disconnect axosomatic synapses and phagocytose degenerating neurones. Surviving neurones show signs of structural restitution 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. In the neurohypophysis degeneration of secretory nerve endings started with the disintegration of secretory vesicles 3 to 4 d postoperatively. Degenerated axon terminals were engulfed by pituicytes. Signs indicative of axonal regeneration were not observed in the neural lobe up to the end of the 4th postoperative week.