Electron microscopic studies of neurocytes of the pterygopalatine ganglion in the rat after immobilization.

The ultrastructure of rat's pterygopalatine ganglionic neurocytes under immobilization stress was investigated. The following ultrastructural picture was observed. The rough endoplasmic reticulum occurring in large amounts, was placed predominantly on the circumference of cells. The insular arrangement was noticed there, especially after seven and fifteen times repeated immobilization. The smooth reticulum, conversely, occupied mainly the perinuclear part of cytoplasm. The Golgi apparatus was much developed in comparison to the control group. Increase in number of lysosomes and lipophuscin, especially in the groups of seven and fifteen times immobilized, was observed. In all experimental groups changes within mitochondria were noticed (atrophy of cristae and matrix, presence of myelin bodies and swellings). The extent of these changes is variable and generally depends on the time period of immobilization.