Formation of perichromatin granules, nematosomes and concentric lamellar bodies in sympathetic postganglionic perikarya in response to immobilization stress.

Perichromatin granules, nematosomes (threadlike bodies), or concentric lamellar bodies were rarely observed in profiles of principal ganglionic neurons in the untreated rat superior cervical ganglion. They were more frequently encountered in these neurons following long-term activation of the sympathetic nervous system by intermittent immobilization (6 to 18 12-h periods). The increased number of the described nuclear and cytoplasmic structures following immobilization is documented by morphometric data and discussed in relation to specific chronic neuronal hyperactivity.