Ultrastructural changes in neurons and neuroglia of the avian telencephalon (hyperstriatum accessorium) following tri-ortho-cresyl-phosphate intoxication.

Ultrastructural reactions of neurons of the avian forebrain following tri-ortho-cresyl-phosphate (TOCP) poisoning are described. The neurons show a marked increase in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), with RER specializations such as lamellar bodies and subsurface cisternae, as well as a proliferation of the Golgi complex and neurofilaments. In addition, an increase in the number of dense bodies and mitochondrial osmiophilia is noted. Similar changes can also be observed in the neuroglia. These alterations appear 10-13 days after TOCP ingestion.