Showing papers in "Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology in 1964"

Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease

Abstract: Three brains from patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease were almost completely lacking in stainable myelin, in contrast to a normal myelin stainability in the peripheral nerves. There is no need to consider these cases as different from Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease or to designate them “sudanophil leucodystrophy”. In discussing the pathogenesis, we point out the pathomorphologic diagnosis of the disease has been overestimated while insufficient consideration has been given to clinical and genetic data. Although unable to present a completely adequate pathogenic theory, we suggest that presently discussed theories fail to explain the total phenomena of the disease. Basically the pathogenetic mechanism is not demyelination, but a disturbance in myelination and possibly neurobiotaxis. The tigroid pattern of myelin stainability, an intriguing finding, can be set in analogy to similar coat-color patterns of heterozygous females by applying the Lyon hypothesis of heteropyknotic inactivation of X-chromosomes. Since myelin stainability has been shown to be linked to the presence of proteolipids and other myelin proteins, it may be more promising to investigate these substances rather than glycerophastides, because the former occur almost exclusively in the central nervous system, while the latter are ubiquitous in the body.

Congenital intracranial neoplasm. a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract: A case report with autopsy findings of a congenital neoplasm of the meninges, diagnosed as a mixed hemangiopericytoma and fibroma, and also a review of congenital intracranial neoplasms in tabular form are presented. Congenital meningeal tumors are discussed in more detail.

Phosphatase histochemistry of feline cervical spinal cord after brachial plexectomy. hydrolysis of beta-glycerophosphate, thiamine pyrophosphate and nucleoside diphosphates.

Abstract: A reticulum is demonstrable in perikaryon and dendrites of feline motoneurons by application of a histochemical technic for TPPase and NDPase activities. At the level of light microscopy this reticulum is separable from the basophil network of Nissl except that, in dendrites especially, lamellae derived from both structures appear, occasionally, to be in continuity or even identical. During axonal reaction the TPPase-, NDPase-positive reticulum recedes from the perinuclear area, especially opposite the axon, and migrates to the periphery. These changes, well-developed in the 15 to 30 day postoperative period, are followed by a restitution toward the normal appearance about 46 to 60 days after neurectomy. Regeneration of the reticulum appears to occur from both the cytoplasmic and nuclear membrane sides of the cytoplasm. The alternations encountered resemble those reported by earlier workers who applied classical technics for the Golgi apparatus to chromatolytic neurons. The network demonstrated by the enzyme histochemical method is equated with the Golgi organelle. Lysosomes, identified in Gomori acid phosphatase preparations, increase in numbers in chromatolytic neurons. In addition to the perikaryon, dendrites show a conspicuous increase in lysosomal content. This phenomenon is discussed. Possible developmental relations between lysosomes and other cell constituents are also discussed. Evidence, suggestive of a discharge of TPPAse- and NDPase-positive lamellae and lysosomes into axons during chromatolysis, is described. In TPPase and NDPase preparations there is a striking increase in glial activity in the anterior and posterior horns following plexectomy.

Ultrastructural and biochemical analysis in cerebral edema associated with experimental mouse gliomas.

Abstract: Mouse cerebrum adjacent to implanted ependymoblastoma became edematous, as manifested by an increase in water and sodium content. The affected areas stained with vital dye. The I131 albumin uptake averaged 4.4 per cent as compared to 1.1 per cent for distant brain. S35O4 uptake averaged 20.9 per cent as compared to 5.1 per cent in distant brain. However, electron micrographs showed little alteration in extracellular space; the chief morphological change was the swelling of glial cell processes. Therefore, S35O4 uptake does not appear to be a measure of extracellular space. It is suggested that altered membrane or transport processes leads to the accumulation of S35O44, I131 albumin, and vital dye within the cytoplasm of the edematous glial cell processes.

A new paraffin method for the combined staining of myelin and glial fibers.

Abstract: A new paraffin method (PFG stain) is described for the differential staining of myelin and glial fibers, utilizing phloxine B, fast green FCF, and gallocyanin. It offers the advantage of providing a strong, intense staining of both of these elements, at the same time yielding an effective color contrast. The method is easily carried out, gives consistent results, and no step requires microscopic control. Although one step of the technic involves overnight staining, this can be altered to allow completion within one day if desired, with almost as satisfactory results. A myelin-cell modification is also described which stains only myelin sheaths, cell nuclei, and Nissl substance.

The ependymal lining of the cavum septi pellucidi: a histological and histochemical study.

Abstract: A comparison of cells lining the cavum septi pellucidi and the nearby lateral ventricle was used for determining the nature of these cells. The results indicate that the epithelial cells which line the cavum, although they appear at a later age, assume all of the characteristics morphologically and functionally, of the ependymal cells which line the ventricular system.