Ultrastructural changes in axons caused by acrylamide above a nerve ligature.

The ultrastructural features of the ascending degeneration produced by acrylamide in peripheral nerves above the point of nerve ligature have been described. Before the onset of signs of axonal degeneration abundant accumulation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and vesicles occur particularly proximal to nodes of Ranvier, but also in internodal regions. Some mitochondrial accumulations occur distal to nodes of Ranvier. The changes closely resemble those found in axons up to 4 mm above a nerve crush in normal animals and appear to be essentially non-specific in nature. Their significance in relation to the subsequent axonal degeneration can only be guessed at.