Swelling of neuronal processes in motor neuron disease

We investigated serial sections of the anterior horns of the lower lumbar cord by a modified Bielschowsky's silver impregnation, in a case of sporadic lower motor neuron disease. We paid special attention to any direct connection between the swellings of neuronal processes and the perikarya. Focal swellings of neuronal processes were occasionally directly connected with the perikarya; some had morphologic peculiarities of axons, and others originated in dendrites.