Electron microscopy of pterygopalatine ganglion in starved rats

The ultrastructure of rat's pterygopalatine ganglionic neurocytes after starvation was investigated. The following changes of cell organelles were observed. The mitochondria display altered internal structures--lack of matrix, swellings, and myelin structures. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes were reduced. Strong plication of nuclear membrane, diminution of nucleoli, increased number of lysosomes and lipofuscin granules were also noticed. The extent of these changes is variable and depends on the time period of starvation. The smallest changes were observed in the groups starved for 24-48 hrs, the largest--in the groups starved 120-144 hrs.