Changes in the Dimensions of the Nuclei of Neurones with Activity

Abstract

HYDEN¹ has summarized the evidence relating changes in cytoplasmic and nuclear constituents of the neurone to growth and activity of the cell. We have found an increase in Feulgen staining in the neurone nuclei of both the granular and molecular layers of the mouse cerebellum, following convulsions produced by ‘Picrotoxin’ and ‘Metrazol’, as well as after a fall². The deoxyribonucleic acid content, measured by the specific absorptiometric technique³, however, remained unchanged following a ‘Picrotoxin’ convulsion. These two findings suggested that an explanation of the apparent increase in Feulgen staining might be found in a contraction of the nuclei.