STUDIES ON THE HEXAPOD NERVOUS SYSTEM. IV. A CYTOLOGICAL AND CYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF NEURONS AND THEIR INCLUSIONS IN THE BRAIN OF A COCKROACH PERIPLANETA AMERICANA (L.)

Abstract

1. A variety of cytological and cytochemical staining reactions has been applied in a study of neuronal inclusions in the brain of the American cockroach. Three types of cytoplasmic inclusions, which exist in addition to mitochondria, ribosomes, and the Golgi apparatus, are characterized. For discussion purposes these are called A-cell NSM, beta-, and delta-granules.2. The cytochemical staining reactions used indicate that A-cell NSM is a cystine- or cysteine-rich phospholipoprotein.3. Perikaryal inclusions which stain intensely with PAS, SBB, CPM, and AF, but which are not stained blue-black with CAHP, occur in the majority of neurons. These are called beta-granules. Despite similarities in stainability, there is a possibility that these inclusions are not all of one type. They clearly differ from the Golgi apparatus, and it is also highly unlikely that they are typical mitochondria. The cytochemical data suggest that beta-granules contain a lipid or glycolipid which is either not predominantly phospho...