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Suspected lysosomal storage disease in kangaroos
J T Rothwell1, P A Harper, W J Hartley
1New South Wales Agriculture and Fisheries, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Camden, Australia.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|April 1, 1990
Summary
A novel neurovisceral lysosomal storage disease was identified in young kangaroos. This condition involves abnormal material accumulation in multiple organs and the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Pathology
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders.
- These disorders are characterized by the accumulation of undigested material within lysosomes.
- LSDs have been documented in various animal species, but not previously in kangaroos.
Observation:
- A probable neurovisceral lysosomal storage disease was observed in immature red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) and grey kangaroos (M. giganteus).
- Intracytoplasmic material, identified as foamy, pale eosinophilic, and periodic acid-Schiff positive, was stored in the liver, lymphoid tissue, kidney, adrenal gland, stomach, blood vessels, and central nervous system.
- Extensive Wallerian-type degeneration was noted in the central nervous system.
Findings:
- Electron microscopy revealed electron-dense, cytoplasmic lamellar bodies in neurons and foamy visceral cells.
- The observed storage disease exhibits a unique distribution and nature of lesions compared to other known LSDs.
- This represents the first reported case of a neurovisceral lysosomal storage disease in kangaroos.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known spectrum of lysosomal storage diseases in marsupials.
- Understanding this disease in kangaroos can provide insights into LSD pathogenesis and comparative neurobiology.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific genetic and biochemical basis of this condition.