Abstract
Corpora amylacea are structures of unknown origin and function that appear with age in human brains and are profuse in selected brain areas in several neurodegenerative conditions. They are constituted of glucose polymers and may contain waste elements derived from different cell types. As we previously found on particular polyglucosan bodies in mouse brain, we report here that corpora amylacea present some neo-epitopes that can be recognized by natural antibodies, a certain kind of antibodies that are involved in tissue homeostasis. We hypothesize that corpora amylacea, and probably some other polyglucosan bodies, are waste containers in which deleterious or residual products are isolated to be later eliminated through the action of the innate immune system. In any case, the presence of neo-epitopes on these structures and the existence of natural antibodies directed against them could become a new focal point for the study of both age-related and degenerative brain processes.
Highlights
Corpora amylacea are structures of unknown origin and function that appear with age in human brains and are profuse in selected brain areas in several neurodegenerative conditions
Corpora amylacea (CA) have been considered as: merely post-mortem artifacts[4]; the result of a defect in glycogen metabolism[5]; protein precipitates of lymphatic or hematogenous origin[4]; accumulations of breakdown products from neurons and oligodendroglial cells[6]; aggregated remnants of degenerated neuronal cells[7]; conglomerations of interacting proteins from degenerating neurons and extravasated blood elements released after the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier[8]; structures formed from degenerating astrocytes[9]; and recently, as pathological structures related to fungal infections[10]
The presence of waste elements is a recurrent feature, and CA may be involved in the trapping and sequestration of potentially hazardous products[1], or they may act as a system that cleans the central nervous system (CNS)[11]
Summary
Corpora amylacea are structures of unknown origin and function that appear with age in human brains and are profuse in selected brain areas in several neurodegenerative conditions. We observed that these natural IgM antibodies are present as contaminants in a high percentage (around 70%) of commercial antibodies originated from mouse, rabbit, goat or rat, and obtained from ascites or serum, being monoclonal or polyclonal, and even supplied as purified[14,15] Since these contaminant IgMs are recognized by the majority of anti-IgG antibodies used as secondary antibodies in immunohistochemical studies, these IgMs are the cause of numerous cases of false positive immunostaining of PAS granules, and they account for some inconsistencies in some of the theories concerning PAS granules[12]. We hypothesized that the presence of contaminant IgMs in commercial antibodies causes much false positive immunostaining of CA and several conclusions drawn from some of the studies published to date are unfounded, making it necessary to revise the current view of these structures
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
