Spongy transformation of the brain in sheep with lupinosis.

Spongy transformation in the brain of sheep affected with chronic lupinosis in the field is described. Identical lesions were reproduced in sheep with experimental acute and chronic lupinosis. The primary brain lesion was vacuolation of the white matter of the brain stem with no malacia, neuronal damage or gliosis being present. The extent and severity of the vacuolation was related to the severity of the liver lesion.