Morphological Signs of Dystrophy, Regeneration and Hypertrophy of Neurons

Abstract

Objective: Generalization and systematization of literature data on dystrophic, regeneration and hypertrophy changes in neurons in the rat cerebral cortex.

Methods: The basis of this study was a review of the literature on this topic.

Results: Dystrophic changes constitute an extensive group of neuronal disorders and are manifested at the morphological level by deformation of the perikarions and neuropil, wrinkling or swelling of the cell, and changes in the chromatophilia of the cytoplasm. At the electron microscopic level, disorganization of organelles is observed, reflecting gross violations of the vital processes of the neuron. There are several ways to regenerate neurons: intracellular regeneration, restoration of the neuropil, the formation of new neurons (in some parts of the nervous system - the hippocampus, the subventricular layer of the lateral ventricles and olfactory bulbs) and the formation of heterokaryons (fusion of a neuron with an oligodendrocyte). Hypertrophy of neurons may indicate both compensation and the development of a pathological process. To clarify the nature of this phenomenon, it is necessary to conduct an ultramicroscopic study of the organelles of the nerve cell.

Conclusion: Further study of dystrophic regeneration and hypertrophy changes in neurons at the histological, ultrastructural and molecular levels will serve as a fundamental basis for the search and improvement of new ways of preventing and correcting diseases of the nervous system.