An Ultrastructural Study of Gold Thioglucose Lesion Formation in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus

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Abstract
In an ultrastructural study of gold thioglucose (GTG) lesion formation in the mouse ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a single intraperitoneal subnecrotic dose of GTG (100 mg/kg) was used to induce a VMH microlesion, visible only by electron microscopy. Definitive neuronal alterations were not evident until eight hours after GTG injection. Large pericapillary processes, probably dendrites, displayed a loss of cytoplasmic density and distention, while the capillary endothelium appeared normal. Some intercellular distention also was apparent. By 24 hours after GTG administration, degenerating neurons were visible. Swollen and disrupted synaptic profiles were seen. However, no vascular damage was evident. These results support the evidence that GTG is a neurotoxin for structures in the mouse VMH.