In vitro fine structural study of SIF cells and neurons in sympathetic ganglion after vinblastine treatment.

Lower mesenteric ganglia of cats were rapidly excised and immediately placed in 50 ml of Eagles minimum essential medium at 37 degrees C supplemented with vinblastine sulphate (Richter) in a concentration of 2.10(-6) --10(-5) mg/ml. 35 min to 24 hours after treatment with vinblastine changes in ultrastructure of neurons, axons, and SIF cells with their processes were observed. After short time intervals of incubation with vinblastine nonspecific toxic changes in the cytoplasm of cells were observed. After 2 hours of incubation specific changes attributable to action of vinblastine were found, e.g. reduction in number of neurotubules in axons and formation of paracrystals within the axoplasm. In SIF cells no depletion of granular vesicles was found in places near the cell membrane after disassembly of SIF cell microtubules.