Spinal Cord, Dorsal Root Ganglion, Neuron - Vacuolation

Neuronal vacuolation, while it may be seen in any population of neurons undergoing degeneration, is a particular concern for its neuropathologic significance in the dorsal root ganglia. Figure 1 shows the normal appearance of rat dorsal root ganglionic neurons. At issue diagnostically is the recognition that neuronal vacuolation at these ganglionic sites may occasionally be present at a low incidence in tissue not exposed to toxic compounds and is more common in older rodents. Importantly, neuronal vacuolation may be a significant effect of toxicity. The vacuoles appear as variably sized, but generally large clear vacuoles in the perikaryon of the affected neurons may be accompanied by chromatolysis (Figure 2, arrow). The lining of the vacuoles is composed of a single membrane, and short protrusions of this membrane occur into the vacuoles, accompanied by chromatolysis. Electron microscopic images do not clearly identify the affected swollen organelles, but smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are the most likely candidates.

In view of the known occurrence of neuronal vacuolation as an occasional incidental finding, it is important to carefully examine control and treatment groups for its presence in comparable regions. The existence of associated changes such as neuronal chromatolysis or adjacent responses by glia or satellite cells may be helpful in attributing vacuolization as a lesion.