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An electron microscopic study of the leptomeninx and associated cells of the aged mouse
1Department of Anatomy, The University, Dundee, U.K.
Abstract:
The ultrastructure of the leptomeninx was examined in mice aged 25, 28 and 31 months. Apart from occasional lipofuscin granules there were no obvious age related changes in the ultrastructure of leptomeningeal cells. Granular pial cells usually contained large honeycomb bodies and were a prominent feature of the ageing leptomeninx but in contrast leptomeningeal macrophages showed no evidence of phagocytic activity suggesting that cell death or degeneration was not a feature of cells of the leptomeninx even in extremely old mice.
Insights
Aging mice leptomeninx shows minimal ultrastructural changes. Granular pial cells accumulate honeycomb bodies, but macrophages lack phagocytic activity, indicating no significant cell death in the leptomeninx.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The leptomeninx, comprising the pia mater and arachnoid mater, is crucial for central nervous system protection and function.
- Understanding age-related changes in the leptomeninx is vital for comprehending neurodegenerative processes and brain aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in the leptomeninx of aging mice.
- To assess the cellular integrity and potential degeneration within the leptomeninx during senescence.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the ultrastructure of leptomeningeal cells.
- Mice of different ages (25, 28, and 31 months) were analyzed to observe age-related alterations.
Main Results:
- No significant age-related ultrastructural changes were observed in leptomeningeal cells, apart from occasional lipofuscin granules.
- Granular pial cells exhibited large honeycomb bodies, a notable feature in aging leptomeninx.
- Leptomeningeal macrophages did not show evidence of phagocytic activity, suggesting a lack of cell death or degeneration.
Conclusions:
- The leptomeninx in aged mice appears remarkably stable at the ultrastructural level.
- The accumulation of honeycomb bodies in granular pial cells is a characteristic feature of aging leptomeninx.
- The absence of phagocytic activity in leptomeningeal macrophages indicates resilience against cell death and degeneration even in advanced age.