Histological Changes of the Nerve Cells

It is well known that the nerve cell shows the chromatolysis after the section of the axone, and there is a considerable amount of literature upon the subject. But we have only some few reports conscerning the structural changes of the nerve cells which occurs under the influence of a powerful electric current. Wendt (Strand. Archiv f. Phisiol. XI) examined the spinal ganglion of frogs by means of Nissl's staining after application of an induced current of 100-500 volts for 2-10 minutes. Besides the ordinary chro matolysis and the excentric situated nucleus he often found a regular net work and a vacuole in the nerve cell. Corrado (referred by Tousey "Medical Electricity and Rontgen Rays," Sec. Ed. 1915) applied to dogs a continuous electric current of 720-2175 volts and of 10-30 amperes, one electrode being placed on the head and the other on the lower portion of the spinal cord. The animal died in every instance. The nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord were examined by both the Nissl and Golgi methods. The cell contents showed the beginning changes of chromatolysis and frequently vacuolisation. Sometimes the chro matic substances were accumlated on one side of the cell. The contour of the nucleus may be either irregular or angular. I have investigated the subject on the ganglion nodosum of the rabbit. The ganglion was exposed after the incision of the skin on the neck , and moistened with isotonic solutions of the non-electrolyte to prevent drying . As electrolyte Ringer's solution was used and as non-electrolyte 5.5 per cent