Other cellular changes are observed during the process of the central chromatolysis. Acrylamide intoxication has been shown to be an agent for the induction of chromatolysis. Part of this reaction includes structural alternations caused by the chromatolysis event. Studies examining patients with alcoholic encephalopathies give evidence of central chromatolysis. Axonal injury can also cause central chromatolysis. Exposure to lithium has also been used as a method to induce chromatolysis in rats. In each case the neuron undergoes chromatolysis and atrophy of the cell body and axon. By the 1970s, the conserved structural features of chromatolysis were identified. This reaction requires an increased metabolic activity and is initiated by chromatolysis. Flemming named this degenerative process "chromatolysis" to describe the gradual disintegration of nuclear components. The number of autophagic vacuoles and lysosomal structures often increase during central chromatolysis. The degenerate chromatolysis neurons seldom showed intracytoplasmic labeling for PrP. It was also observed that the integrity of mitochondria is maintained during chromatolysis. Again, these expanded definitions of chromatolysis are consistent with what we now term apoptosis. The basophilic rim is formed as chromatolysis compresses the cytoplasmic skeleton.