ISSN:
1432-0533
Keywords:
Spinal cord neurofibrillary tangles
;
Parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam
;
Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
;
Ultrastructure
;
Immunoelectron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of spinal cord neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) were examined in Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in parkinisonism-dementia complex on Guam. The spinal cord NFTs reacted with antibodies to tau protein (tau-2), ubiqitin and paired helical filaments (PHFs). Ultrastructurally, the components of the NFTs were seen as randomly arranged fibrils which were often associated with osmiophilic granules; small bundle-like arrangements were also occasionally observed. Individual NFT fibrils appeared as straight fibrils with a diameter of approximately 15 nm and constricted fibrils with a periodicity of approximately 80 nm. Ultrastructural microscopic examination of specimens stained by the modified Bielschowsky method and with the antibodies revealed silver particles and the products of the tau, ubiquitin and PHF immunoreactions on the NFT fibrils. This is the first demonstration of the fine structure of the spinal cord NFTs.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00296790
