Comparative polarized-light and electron microscopic studies of changes in the structure of the intercalate disc...

The intercalate disc was studied following various traumatizing interference (cyanide, carbon monoxide poisoning, intermittent coronary perfusion, nitrogen perfusion, intermittent hypoxic loading, direct electric trauma). The most frequent alterations were the separation, vesicular transformation and loss of electron-dense material of the fascia adherens and occludens of the junctions. In extreme situations the lysis of filaments joining to the junctions and the rupture of the membrane was observed. Total desintegration of the intercalate disc was rarely encountered probably due to the high adhesive capacity of desmosomes. Topooptical reactions were found suitable to detect functional changes.