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X-ray microprobe analysis of corpora amylacea
S Tokutake1, H Nagase, S Morisaki
1Department of Molecular Biology, Tokyo Institute of Psychiatry, Japan.
Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Corpora amylacea in the brain accumulate inorganic materials like sodium and chloride. This suggests their role in managing substances that leak from blood and cerebrospinal fluid in aging brains.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Corpora amylacea are brain inclusions concentrated in high-density fractions during subcellular fractionation.
- It is hypothesized that inorganic materials accumulate within corpora amylacea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the elemental composition of corpora amylacea.
- To determine if inorganic materials are present in corpora amylacea from both Alzheimer's disease and non-demented individuals.
Main Methods:
- Elemental analysis of partially purified corpora amylacea using X-ray microprobe method.
- Mapping analyses to confirm element distribution within corpora amylacea.
- Analysis of cryostat sections for corroboration.
Main Results:
- Prominent peaks of sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, and chloride were detected in corpora amylacea.
- Mapping analyses confirmed the presence and distribution of these elements within corpora amylacea.
- Similar elemental composition was observed in corpora amylacea from both Alzheimer's disease and non-demented brains.
Conclusions:
- Corpora amylacea are implicated in the absorption and accumulation of extravasated inorganic materials from blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Their characteristic distribution near blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid supports this role.
- This accumulation may indicate alterations in the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers in aging brains.