Pleomorphic intra-neuronal polyglucosan bodies mainly restricted to the pallidium. A case report

rare case with pleomorphic intra-neuronal polyglucosan bodies is reported. A 45-year-old man died of gastric carcinoma with extensive visceral involvement. The autopsy showed numerous intra-neural pleomorphic PAS-positive deposits reminiscent of Bielschowsky bodies in the lateral segments of the pallidum, substantia nigra, and brain stem on both sides. Their histochemical properties were consistent with polyglucosan. The bodies were ultrastructurally composed of filamentous structures and seen in perikarya, axons, and dendrites. Occasionally, spotty electron-dense material was seen in the center of the bodies. The filaments were selectively stained with thiocarbohydrazide method after Thiéry, indicating their chief component as glucose polymers. The bodies are compared with Bielschowsky bodies, Lafora bodies, corpora amylacea, and related bodies, and their nature and significance are briefly discussed.

Serotonin axons of the ependyma and circumventricular organs in the forebrain of the guinea pig. An immunohistochemical study

The distribution of supraependymal nerve fibers (SEF) containing serotonin (5-HT) was investigated immunohistochemically in the forebrain of the guinea pig. The highest densities of immunoreactive axons were found in the pars centralis and the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle and also in the superior part of the third ventricle. Because of the special development of the choroid plexus in these ventricular regions, it is suggested that 5-HT SEF might be involved in the regulation of the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid. The ependyma lining the circumventricular organs located in the forebrain, was not observed to receive a significant 5-HT-SEF innervation. In the pituitary gland, a loose but constant network of 5-HT axons, resembling those which course in the anterobasal hypothalamus, arcuate nucleus and internal layer of the median eminence, was observed in the neural lobe. In the epiphysis, immunoreactive 5-HT was detected in all pinealocytes (the entire cell was filled with reaction product) and in fibers running between them.

Immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is concentrated in the sacral spinal cord: a possible marker for pelvic visceral afferent fibers

Previous descriptions of immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in small-diameter dorsal root ganglion cells in the superficial dorsal horn implicated this 28 amino acid peptide in nociceptive transmission. In this study, we examined the distribution of immunoreactive VIP in the spinal cord and caudal medulla of cats and rats. The PAP method was used on paraffin and frozen sections of 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed tissue, using antibodies to VIP that were raised in rabbits. The distribution of immunoreactive VIP, while similar to that of substance P (SP), a putative primary afferent peptide neurotransmitter, is more restricted. VIP staining is found in sacral dorsal roots and densely in the Lissauer tract. Dorsal horn staining is concentrated in lamina I. In contrast to SP, lamina II is almost devoid of staining. Labeled VIP axons course along the lateral curvature of the dorsal horn and arborize across lamina V and around the central canal. A collateral branch of these fibers distributes to the sacral autonomic nucleus. A few fibers could be traced from the root entry zone to the contralateral central gray. VIP axons also terminate between ependymal cells of the central canal. Unlike SP, immunoreactive VIP was restricted, almost exclusively, to the sacral cord. The few fibers in the lumbar enlargement and in the coccygeal cord apparently derive from ascending and descending sacral primary afferents. In fact, the VIP pattern is almost identical to that reported for afferents from the pelvic viscera, including a discontinuous rostrocaudal distribution. Since the staining pattern is also very similar to that of A-delta high-threshold mechanoreceptors, the possibility is discussed that whereas VIP is not a general "somatic" primary afferent transmitter, it may transmit nociceptive input from the pelvic viscera.

Oxytocin-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pars intermedia of the pituitary in the rabbit and hare

The pars intermedia of the pituitary in the rabbit and hare is abundantly innervated by axons reacting selectively with antibodies against oxytocin. These axons contain dense secretory vesicles about 140 nm in diameter, i.e., smaller than those in the neurosecretory axons of the neural lobe. No fiber elements staining for other peptides (vasopressin, somatostatin, substance P) were observed in the pars intermedia, except rare leu-enkephalin axons restricted to the rostral zone of the gland. Dopaminergic innervation appears to be completely absent from the intermediate lobe. This was shown by the lack of reaction with an antibody against tyrosine-hydroxylase, which did reveal a well-developed tubero-infundibular system of nerve fibers. Axons reacting with an antibody against serotonin were irregularly distributed in the pars intermedia. In the absence of dopaminergic axons, the extensive oxytocin-like innervation may play a major role in regulating the melanotrophic cell activity in the Leporidae.

Axonal transport dysfunction in dystrophia myotonica

Axonal transport of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was measured in the median and sural nerves of a subject who suffered from dystrophia myotonica and in a control subject. It was found that the basal activity of AChE was increased in myotonic nerves while its proximodistal transport was inhibited.

Neurofilamentous network and filamentous matrix preserved and isolated by different techniques from squid giant axon

The contribution of the neurofilamentous network to the structure of the squid giant axon was analyzed electron-microscopically. Axial 10-nm filaments cross-linked by radial 5-nm bridges form a network that is present in preparations prepared by a variety of techniques. The axoplasm is differentiated into dense and less dense regions. In the presence of Co(II) ions, the neurofilamentous network was remarkably well preserved and appeared to be associated with a dense web of fine filament matrix, which also was identified in extracted axoplasm and in fractions enriched with neurofilament protein complex. In the presence of La(III) ions, the neurofilamentous network had a coarse and open appearance. The stereo images of extracted and critical-point dried axoplasm suggested that the neurofilamentous network contains ordered lattice-like regions. Extracted preparations of extruded axoplasm and fractions enriched with neurofilament protein complex suggested that the properties of the network are determined by the neurofilament protein complex. It is proposed that the neurofilamentous network is the essential determinant of the form of the axon, and that the order within the network is determined by the radial components of the network. The structures observed in the different preparations are not artifacts, but rather are related closely to their native state in the axon.

Immunohistochemical study of the onset of hormone synthesis in LH-RH and somatostatin neurons in rat brain

The onset of hormone synthesis in LH-RH and somatostatin neurons of the brain was studied in rats using the unlabelled antibody-PAP immunohistochemical method. LH-RH appeared in detectable amounts first in neuronal perikarya in the preoptic region of fetuses sacrificed on the 17th day of gestation. Minute amounts of LH-RH could already be detected in some nerve fibers of the preoptic region of fetuses on the 18th gestational day. On the 19th day the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) and on the 20th day the median eminence (ME) already contained loose networks of nerve fibers and axon terminals accumulating LH-RH. Somatostatin perikarya and axon terminals with detectable amounts of the hormone appeared simultaneously on the first postnatal day in the anterior periventricular region and the median eminence, respectively. Somatostatin containing nerve fibers became detectable in OVLT first on the 2nd day of life.

Evidence for a crustacean hyperglycemic hormone-like molecule in the nervous system of the stick insect, Carausius morosus

Histological sections of the brain, suboesophageal ganglion, and the corpora cardiaca/corpora allata complex were examined for the presence of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone-like immunoreactive material. With the use of an antiserum directed against the hyperglycemic hormone of Carcinus maenas, immunofluorescence was found in the median portion of the pars intercerebralis, and the corpora cardiaca. Extracts of corpora cardiaca were examined by radioimmunoassay for competitive binding to the antiserum; one pair of corpora cardiaca contains at least 7 pg crustacean hyperglycemic hormone-like material.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of a CCK-like peptide in the nervous system of a marine annelid worm, Nereis diversicolor O.F. Müller

Perikarya and nerve fibers containing a substance immunologically related to CCK-8 were detected in the nervous system of Nereis, a marine annelid worm. The most noteworthy immunostaining was seen in cell bodies, localized at the periphery of the brain, within nuclei 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 23-24. Immunoreactive fibers were also found in the neuropile without any particular grouping. Numerous other "positive" perikarya occur in the medioventral portion of the ventral nerve cord, and in the ventral and dorsal parts of the suboesophageal ganglion. In addition to the cell bodies in the cerebral external layer, immunoreactive axons were abundantly observed in the connectives between the ganglia. Moreover, our results demonstrate CCK-like staining in neurons showing variations in size and shape, and in affinity for paraldehyde fuchsin. The present results support the hypothesis that this peptide may exert a role as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in annelids.

Localization of pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-like immunoreactivity in the central and visceral nervous systems of the cockroach Periplaneta

The central and visceral nervous systems of the cockroach Periplaneta americana were studied by means of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical method, with the use of antibody to bovine pancreatic polypeptide (PP). PP-like immunoreactive neuron somata are most numerous in the brain; at least 6 pairs of cell groups occur in clearly defined regions. Three pairs of cells each are also present in the suboesophageal ganglion and the thoracic ganglia, one pair of single cell each in the first abdominal and the frontal ganglia, and 4 to 6 pairs of single cells in the terminal ganglion. No reactive cells were found in the retrocerebral complex and the second to the fifth abdominal ganglia. The axons containing PP-like immunoreactivity issue many branches that are distributed in the entire brain-retrocerebral complex, ventral cord, and visceral nervous system. PP-like immunoreactive material produced in the brain seems to be transported by three routes: protocerebrum to corpora cardiaca (-allata) through the nervi corporis cardiaci, tritocerebrum to visceral nervous system through frontal commissures, and to ventral cord through circumoesophageal connectives. A possible homology between the mammalian brain-GEP (gastro-entero-pancreatic) system and the brain-midgut system of this insect is discussed.

Localisation of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the intramural nerve plexuses of the guinea-pig stomach using immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques

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Immunohistochemical studies on the processes of serotonin neurons and their ramification in the central nervous system--with regard to the possibility of the existence of Golgi's rete nervosa diffusa

Using various vertebrates from teleost to macacus, we studied, by the modified PAP method, the serotonin neurons that are distributed mainly in the raphe nuclei area, focussing on their process ramifications, and obtained the following results. 1. The shapes of serotonin neurons were varied. They were multipolar with many long, thick dendrites. In most of the neurons, more than two axons originated either from the stem of a dendrite or from its tip. 2. The axons contained spherical or spindle-shaped varicosities of varied sizes (diameter 0.5-6 micron). On a few occasions, they became large, Herring body-like droplets. 3. The axons were classified into four groups according to the shape and size of the varicosities they contained: stem fibers, A-fibers (tract fibers), B-fibers (branching fibers) and C-fibers (ground fibers). 4. The axon not only branched frequently, but formed a true network by way of frequent anastomosis at the level of B- and C-fibers. Serotonin fibers do not have endings that correspond to telodendrons, but conduct impulses through "en passant" type synapses. 5. A supraependymal plexus is formed over large areas of the ventricular system. This vast network is considered to be formed by the syncytial continuity of axonal reticulum of many serotonin neurons. 6. Serotonin neurons, and probably noradrenaline neurons as well, should be classified as a third type of neuron, which belong to neither the Deiters type nor the Golgi type neuron. Their characteristic feature is the long, reticular axons, and it is highly probable that this neuron system forms the "rete nervosa diffusa" proposed by GOLGI.

Reduction of neuronal specific protein and some neurotransmitters in the infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD)

INAD with classical clinicopathological features was seen in three children of one family. They presented with a history of regression after the age of 1.5 years and died in mental institutions at the ages of 6, 7 and 9. Two of them had postmortem neuropathological studies, one had brain biopsy and one biochemical study. The following observations have been made; I. Histological--(1) some axonal loss with almost total absence of neurofilaments in dystrophic neurites and (2) marked degenerative changes and loss of synaptic vesicles; II. Biochemical--(1) the decrease of the neurofilament polypeptides by up to 75% and (2) a reduction of some neurotransmitter enzymes. The presence of intermitochondrial septate junctions. The neurofilament protein is specific to neurons and makes up a large percentage of their protein content. Neurofilaments have been implicated in several cellular functions such as intracellular transport and in the maintenance of cell structure. The decrease of neurofilament protein in our case is compatible with our morphological findings where we found decreased numbers of axons and an almost total absence of neurofilaments in the affected neurites.

[Immunocytochemical study of serotoninergic supraependymal fibres in the rat. A Golgi-like study (author's transl)]

The supraependymal serotoninergic axons are identified in the Rat by immunocytochemistry. A dense plexus of fibres presenting various calibers is visualized over all the ventricular walls when tangential sections are used. By place, in the lateral ventricles, fibres emerging from an ependymal hollowing are often clustered in small groups. As soon as they penetrate the ventricles, they ramify profusely in various branches.

Neuropeptides in the median eminence: their sources and destinations

By radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemical techniques, 14 neuropeptides have been measured and localized in the rat median eminence. Neuropeptides with inhibitory or stimulatory effects on the anterior pituitary hormones as well as posterior pituitary hormones are present in the median eminence in the highest concentrations of the central nervous system. All these peptides (LH-RH, TRH, somatostatin, CRF, vasopressin, oxytocin) are of preoptic or hypothalamic origin and they are transported to the median eminence by loop-like fiber systems through the lateral retrochiasmatic area. Within the median eminence, the pericapillary space constitutes the main common pathway. Three major transport routes--axons, vessels, liquor spaces--are separated from each others by only basement membranes, which allow free communications downwards to the pituitary but also backwards to the central nervous system.

Immunoreactive ACTH/beta-endorphin neurons in the tubero-infundibular hypothalamus of rats

In the preinfundibular portion of male rat hypothalamus, the arcuate-median eminence region was examined after staining with anti-porcine ACTH 1-39 serum. In several cases, anti-beta-endorphin serum was also employed. Both sera stain the same cell bodies. The cell bodies of the immunoreactive neurons are scattered in the subependymal layer, arcuate nucleus and lateral tuberal region. Fibers originating from these cell bodies are distributed extensively throughout these regions. They make synaptic contacts on immunonegative fibers in the arcuate nuclei, or terminate directly in the perivascular space in the internal layer of the median eminence. The findings suggest that the ACTH/beta-endorphin neuronal system may serve neuronally and humorally as an intrahypothalamic constituent of the hypothalamic pituitary regulation system.

Fluorescent properties of monoamine neurons following glyoxylic acid treatment of intact leech ganglia

The SPG modification (de la Torre and Surgeon 1976) of the glyoxylic acid method for amine condensation is a straightforward procedure which can be used upon intact ganglia from the leech. Intense fluorescence of the neurosomata of identified neurons which contain either indoleamine (serotonin, 5-HT) or catecholamine (CA) is obtained in less than 30 min. The fluorescence of the 5-HT containing neurons is yellow (518-526 nm) and decays more rapidly than the dominant blue emission (478-480 nm) of the CA neurons. Most importantly, the SPG technique greatly enhances the visibility of the axonal processes of neurons which contain both classes of amines over the fluorescence produced by formaldehyde condensation techniques. Both blue and yellow fluorescent varicosities are easily distinguished in the longitudinal connectives and lateral roots of the leech C.N.S. Because of its simplicity and high fluorescence yields, the SPG method for histochemical fluorescence should contribute to investigations of amine functions in invertebrate nervous systems.

Novel peptide neuronal system in rat brain and pituitary

Immunohistofluorescence studies of the rat central nervous system with antibodies to Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (molluskan cardioexcitatory peptide) revealed a widespread neuronal system in the brain, spinal cord, and posterior pituitary. Immunoreactive axons and cell bodies were mainly located in cortical, limbic, and hypothalamic areas. Immunostaining of serial sections of the brain and pituitary showed that the Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 immunoreactive neurons were different from neurons labeled by antibodies to either Met-enkephalin or the putative Met-enkephalin precursor Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-Arg-Phe, which is structurally related to Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2. Control staining by antiserum absorption and radioimmunoassay indicated that the antibodies that caused the specific immunofluorescence recognized peptides with an amidated Arg-Phe sequence at the carboxyl terminus.