chromatolysis
Pronunciation: chrome-AT-oh-lie-sis
Breakdown and dispersal of Nissl bodies in injured neurons, indicating cellular stress or damage.
Full Definition
Chromatolysis is a pathological process characterized by the dissolution and fragmentation of Nissl bodies (rough endoplasmic reticulum) in neuronal perikarya following injury or disease. This process typically occurs within 24-48 hours of axonal injury and represents an early cellular response to trauma. The affected neurons often show nuclear displacement, cellular swelling, and altered protein synthesis patterns, making chromatolysis an important histopathological marker in neurological disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Often seen in conjunction with other cellular changes; do not use as synonymous with general neuronal death.
In Context
- "Chromatolysis was evident in motor neurons 48 hours post-axotomy." — Nerve injury study
- "The absence of chromatolysis suggested that the neuronal damage was reversible." — Neuropathology report