[Changes in the neuronal ultrastructure of the plexuses of the small intestine in suckling rabbits with experimental cholera].

Ultrastructural changes in the small intestine nerve cells have been studied in 34 suckling rabbits infected intragastrically with V. cholerae 01. A correlation between neuron reactions and vascularization of the intramural ganglia have been revealed. Initial alterations (1.5 hr) in nerve cells were characterized by adoptive reorganization of the cytoplasmic organelle. During the period of V. cholerae adhesion (4 hr) ultrastructural alterations were accompanied by cytoplasmic chromatolysis. 1-2 days later, i.e. during the period of clinical manifestations of experimental cholera, changes in the ultrastructure of neurons became stable and most of the injuries were irreversible. The involvement of small intestine nerve elements in this process may be one of pathogenetic links of cholera infection.