Summary
Electron microscopical examination of the norma and de-afferented ‘laterall geniculate body’ of the monkey following paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde vascular perfusion revealed distinctive morphological features of different types of oligodendrocyte. These cells were normally situated as perineuronal satellites or in relation to axons and capillaries. A wide range of nuclear and cytoplasmic densities were displayed by both satellite and interfascicular oligodendrocytes. The following distinctive features for the identification of ligodendrocytes were utilised: the presence of large quantities of free ribosomes and ribosomal rosettes, microtubular profiles, dense marginal aggregation of nuclear chromatin together with light patches and numerous nuclear pores; but the absence of broad cytoplasmic processes, glycogen and gliofibrils. Circumferential perinuclear organization of the cytoplasmic organelles was typical of oligodendrocytes. Particular attention was paid to perineuronal satellite cells in view of the known transneuronal atrophy in the de-afferented geniculate body. Some cells having a nuclear pattern of oligodendrocytes but showing hyalinisation of perikaryon were seen in de-afferented laminae. A notable feature was the presence of variegated “osmiophilic bodies” in the perikaryon of oligodendrocytes also situated in the de-afferented laminae. A cell type combining the features of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes was classified as ‘intermediate neuroglia’.
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Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, on Sabbatical leave from J. Nehru Medical College Aligarh, India.
Recipient of the “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft” Grant No. G./28/15.
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Hasan, M., Glees, P. Oligodendrocytes in the normal and chronically de-afferented lateral geniculate body of the monkey. Z.Zellforsch 135, 115–127 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307092
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307092