Postischaemic changes in the satellite cells of dog spinal ganglia

Changes in the satellite cells of the spinal ganglia were studied in dogs after ischaemia induced by repeated 40 min ligation of the abdominal aorta, followed by 1-6 days' survival. The nuclei of the satellite cells were hypertrophic, with a tendency to lobulation, and contained conspicuous nucleoli. The mitochondria were enlarged and denser, but their internal structure remained intact. The Golgi complex displayed signs of hyperplasia and an increase in the vesicular component. An increase in the number of filaments and free ribosomes could be seen in the cytoplasm of the satellite cells. There was also a remarkable increase in the endoplasmic reticulum, especially after six days' survival. The qualitative and quantitative changes testify to stimulation of the metabolic activity of the satellite cells in the postischaemic period.