Basal lamina deficiency in Schwann cells induced by beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) in rat dorsal root ganglion culture.

In cultures of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) treated with beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), the following abnormalities were observed. Abnormalities in the size and the shape of collagen fibers; longer periodicity of collagen fibers in BAPN (70 +/- 5 nm) than in control (66 +/- 6 nm) (P less than 0.025); lack of basal lamina of both unmyelinated and myelinated Schwann cells; and abundant amorphous materials in the interstitial area between fibroblasts or peripheral cells and Schwann cells associated with neurites. Detachment of the explant from the collagen substratum also occurred and showed dose dependency. In contrast to the alterations of connective tissue, the neurites were well preserved in this experimental regimen.