Light-scattering patterns of isolated oligodendroglia

A technique for determining the large angle light-scattering patterns of biologic cells has been developed and applied to the measurement of isolated calf oligodendroglia. Preliminary results indicate that light-scattering information can be used to discriminate between oligodendroglia, subcellular debris and red blood cells and also suggest that oligodendroglia can be distinguished from neurons.

Neuronal GM1 gangliosidosis in a Siamese cat with beta-galactosidase deficiency

A juvenile Siamese cat with severe, progressive motor disability was shown to have extensive neuronal degeneration caused by accumulation of GM(1) ganglioside. Tissues from brain and kidney were markedly deficient in beta-galactosidase activity. The disease in this cat is thought to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, and is strikingly similar to juvenile GM(1) gangliosidosis of children.

Biochemical approaches to the nosology of nervous system defects, I

In this brief introduction an attempt is made to indicate some of the approaches to degenerative diseases of the nervous system and directions of future research. The details of the biochemical delineation of particular disease processes will be covered by others. Following will be an introduction to the biochemical approaches to genetically determined diseases which affect the developing nervous system. The sequence of characterization of most of these disease processes has followed the sequence of the prior authors. First, there has been the clinical delineation of a particular entity. Second is the careful clinical-pathologic correlation. A third step is often the introduction of genetic data as a part of the clinical description. The further steps relate to such areas as chemical pathology, determination of underlying biochemical mechanisms, and detection of heterozygotes. Finally, one would hope to be able to apply knowledge about the disease process to rational approaches to therapy and specific genetic counseling.