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Pathologic alterations in pre- and postsynaptic elements in aged mouse sympathetic ganglia

R E Schmidt1, L Beaudet, S B Plurad

  • 1Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.

Journal of Neurocytology
|March 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Aging impairs sympathetic nervous system function, leading to neuroaxonal dystrophy and dendritic alterations in mouse sympathetic ganglia. These changes, particularly in the superior cervical ganglia, affect neuron structure and complexity with age.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Aging Research
  • Autonomic Nervous System

Background:

  • Sympathetic autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a poorly understood complication of aging in humans and animals.
  • Previous research suggests age-related changes impact neuronal structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate age-related ultrastructural changes in sympathetic ganglia of mice.
  • To examine the three-dimensional structure of sympathetic neuron dendritic arborizations in young and aged mice.

Main Methods:

  • Ultrastructural analysis of perikarya, axons, and synapses in celiac/superior mesenteric and superior cervical/stellate ganglia.
  • Intracellular injections of Lucifer Yellow to map dendritic arborizations of principal sympathetic neurons.
  • Comparison of aged (12-24 months) and young adult (4-6 months) mice.

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Main Results:

  • Aged mice exhibited increased frequency of enlarged presynaptic terminal axons and synapses (neuroaxonal dystrophy) in sympathetic ganglia.
  • Superior cervical ganglia of aged mice showed unique vacuolated neurites, some of dendritic origin, and reduced dendritic complexity.
  • Dendritic arborizations of celiac/superior mesenteric ganglia neurons were more complex than superior cervical ganglia neurons in young mice.

Conclusions:

  • Aging induces significant ultrastructural pathology, including neuroaxonal dystrophy and dendritic alterations, in mouse sympathetic ganglia.
  • Superior cervical ganglia neurons are particularly vulnerable to age-related dendritic changes, showing reduced complexity and abnormal swellings.
  • These findings highlight age-associated neurodegenerative processes within the sympathetic nervous system.