Anterior horn cell changes in a case of neurolathyrism

Light and electron microscopic studies were made of the anterior horn cells in a case of neurolathyrism. Eosinophilic inclusions were observed at the light microscopic level. Fine structural study revealed the presence of two types of cytoplasmic inclusions. The first were aggregates of filaments, approximately 80-100 A in width, arranged in small bundles. The second were crystalloid structures composed of elongated elements, about 800 A wide, with hexagonal cross sections. The relationship to each other and the significance of these inclusions are unknown.