Demonstration of neuropil thread‐like structures in the spinal cord white matter in progressive supranuclear palsy: An immunohistochemical investigation

Abstract

The presentation and distribution of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), neuropil thread‐like structures (T‐LS) and smaller structures (dots) in the spinal cord of two patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is discussed. Monoclonal antibodies to Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles (ANT) and tau protein were used. Immunoreactive NFT were detected in the spinal cord gray matter. The number of tau‐positive NFT was significantly smaller than that of NFT stained by the anti‐ANT antibody. However, T‐LS and dots immunolabeled by the latter were detected in the gray and white matter. Most white matter T‐LS and immunoreactive dots were found in the anterior funiculus. These findings provide immunohistochemical evidence for the presence of these abnormal structures in the spinal cord white matter of patients with PSP.