Ultrastructural changes in the shape of neurons and related structures in frog sympathetic ganglia after axotomy

Changes in the shape of neuronal perikarya and other ganglionic structures were observed by electron microscopy in the frog sympathetic ganglia at different times after axotomy. Degenerating and hypertrophic profiles appeared to reflect a remodelling process affecting preganglionic fibres. The shape of neuronal perikarya was modified by the formation of infoldings occupied by preganglionic fibres and/or by that of short winding dendrites often bearing a synapse. The origin of these changes is discussed. In frog sympathetic ganglia, the period of recovery after axotomy was marked by specific reactions which affected neuronal shape and preganglionic fibres, and are not known to occur in the ganglia of mammals.