Vascular changes in nerves in experimental leprosy--an ultrastructural study

Ultrastructural observations made on the blood vessels of nerves in CBA/J mice with experimentally produced M. leprae infection revealed cytoplasmic filamentous structures along with large sized vacuoles in the endothelial cells and reduplication of peripericytal basement membranes in the 6-9 months of infection. In animals with late infection of 9-15 months duration, the endothelial cells presented foamy appearance caused by an increase in the number of vacuoles. These findings are suggestive of degenerative changes in the endothelial cells probably due to circulation of noxious substance in the blood stream.