Structural and functional changes in neurons and glia in the sensomotor cortex in experimental neurosis.

1. In rabbits with experimental neurosis metabolic disturbances are found in the sensomotor cortex, and are reflected in a 26% increase in size of the nuclei of the large pyramidal neurons in layer V, and the appearance of pale and dark cells with stained basophilic substance, and acidophilic cells characteristic of a state of hypoxia. 2. The number of neurons with two, three, and four perineuronal satellites is increased; the number of neurons without satellites or with only one satellite is reduced. The reaction of the perineuronal glia is productive in character: The mean number of perineuronal satellites is increased by 26%; a considerable number of branched oligodendrogliocytes appeared. As a result of hypoxia the amount of total glia is reduced. 3. The development of extensive connections of all types of glia with neurons and blood vessels indicates active involvement of the glial cells in the process of compensation and repair. The distinctive features of response of the perineuronal, free glia, and the microglia confirm the view that the degree of participation of these cells in neuronal metabolism differs. 4. Histological and hypoxic changes found in neurons and neuroglia are evidence of the complex structural and metabolic changes taking place in vascular, neuronal, and neuroglial cells of the sensomotor cortex in this form of experimental pathology. The results can be used to further the study of mechanisms of compensation of disturbances of higher nervous activity and of pathogenetically based treatment.