Electron microscopic changes in colon in experimental swine dysentery.

Colonic lesions in experimental swine dysentery were studied electron microscopically. Changes indicative of stasis were commonly observed in the microcirculatory vessels of lamina propria. Early lesions in epithelial cells included sparse, short and irregular microvilli, swollen and degenerated mitochondria, and swelling and vesiculation of endoplasmatic reticulum. Numerous large spirochaetes were observed in these locations: a) in the crypts, b) free (i.e. not membrane bound) in cytoplasm of damaged epithelial cells, and c) in cavities, around vessels of lamina propria. It is suggested that stasis, and resultant disturbances in microcirculation in early developmental stages of swine dysentery, may play a pathogenetic role in the development of the necrotic colonic lesions. Finally, it is discussed whether a mechanism related to Sanarelli-Shwartzman reaction is implicated in the development of colonic lesions in swine dysentery.