NEURONAL VACUOLATION IN RACCOONS (PROCYON-LOTOR)

Microscopic vacuolar changes in neuronal perikaryon are described in t wo free-ranging raccoons (Procyon lotor) from different geographic loc ations in the United States. Both animals were negative for rabies and scrapie-associated antigens. Microscopically, lesions were not seen i n the neuropil, Neuronal vacuolations have previously been documented in brains of normal animals and in diseases such as rabies and prion-a ssociated encephalopathies. Although experimental transmission of a sp ongiform mink encephalopathy has been documented in raccoons, a natura lly occurring spongiform encephalopathy has not been described in this species. The presence of neuronal vacuolations in the raccoons is nov el and requires further investigation to elucidate the mechanism of th is phenomenon.