[Neurons in the hyperchromic state].

The paper summarizes findings concerning the ultrastructure and cytochemistry of the cortical hyperchromic neurons which appear under different experimental conditions (in intact animals, in mechanical traumatization of neuronal tissue, during formation of a local focus of destruction, upon the administration of aminazine, and in the process of autolysis). Characteristics of the development of the hyperchromic status in each of the above experimental situations are specified. The authors consider the questions concerning the life-time development of neuronal hyperchromia, a relationship of hyperchromia with a certain function of the cell and the reversibility of the ultrastructural and cytochemical shifts characteristic of hyperchromia. A conclusion is made about the development of hyperchromia during life (with the exception of autolysis), its correlation with a decreased functional activity of the cell and the possibility of hyperchromia involution. Hyperchromic cells proved to be highly resistant to autolysis.