Bodian Silver Staining Research Articles

Behavioral and Histopathological Impairments Caused by Topical Exposure of the Rat Brain to Mild-Impulse Laser-Induced Shock Waves: Impulse Dependency.

Although an enormous number of animal studies on blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) have been conducted, there still remain many uncertain issues in its neuropathology and mechanisms. This is partially due to the complex and hence difficult experimental environment settings, e.g., to minimize the effects of blast winds (tertiary mechanism) and to separate the effects of brain exposure and torso exposure. Since a laser-induced shock wave (LISW) is free from dynamic pressure and its energy is spatially well confined, the effects of pure shock wave exposure (primary mechanism) solely on the brain can be examined by using an LISW. In this study, we applied a set of four LISWs in the impulse range of 15–71 Pa·s to the rat brain through the intact scalp and skull; the interval between each exposure was ~5 s. For the rats, we conducted locomotor activity, elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests. Axonal injury in the brain was also examined by histological analysis using Bodian silver staining. Only the rats with exposure at higher impulses of 54 and 71 Pa·s showed significantly lower spontaneous movements at 1 and 2 days post-exposure by the locomotor activity test, but after 3 days post-exposure, they had recovered. At 7 days post-exposure, however, these rats (54 and 71 Pa·s) showed significantly higher levels of anxiety-related and depression-like behaviors by the elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test, respectively. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there have been few studies in which a rat model showed both anxiety-related and depression-like behaviors caused by blast or shock wave exposure. At that time point (7 days post-exposure), histological analysis showed significant decreases in axonal density in the cingulum bundle and corpus callosum in impulse-dependent manners; axons in the cingulum bundle were found to be more affected by a shock wave. Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between the depression like-behavior and axonal density reduction in the cingulum bundle. The results demonstrated the dependence of behavior deficits and axonal injury on the shock wave impulse loaded on the brain.

Histology of human teeth: Standard and specific staining methods revisited

ObjectiveHistological techniques have long been an integral part of dental research. Especially the processing of complex tissues poses specific challenges, however, literature offers only few technical references. Objectives of this study were therefore to optimize histological staining methods and compile detailed protocols for preparation and staining of dental tissues. MethodsHuman teeth were collected and fixed with 4 % formaldehyde solution after extraction. Subsequently, teeth were decalcified in 17 % EDTA or Morse's solution over a period of 28 days. The extent of decalcification was determined by weight loss and radiography.After sectioning, histological staining methods were optimized for their use on teeth. These included hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, Masson-Goldner trichrome and May-Gruenwald-Giemsa staining. Nerve fibres were visualized by luxol fast blue staining and Bodian silver staining. In addition, specific methods like TRAP, modified Brown and Brenn as well as picrosirius red staining with light polarization or fluorescence were applied and optimized. ResultsPreparation of an artificial access to the pulp chamber was essential to ensure prompt penetration of the chemicals. Decalcification with Morse's solution took at least two weeks but was more efficient than 17 % ETDA, where thorough demineralization was achieved only after three weeks. The staining methods exhibited differences not only regarding their ability to display specific structures of interest, but also in terms of reproducibility. ConclusionHigh-quality histology of teeth can only be achieved after optimal tissue preparation and accurate staining. A complementary use of staining techniques is necessary to answer specific research questions.

Relationship of distraction rate with inferior alveolar nerve degeneration-regeneration shift.

Distraction osteogenesis is an important technique for the treatment of maxillofacial abnormities and defects. However, distraction osteogenesis may cause the injury of the inferior alveolar nerve. The relationship between distraction rate and nerve degeneration-regeneration shift remains poorly understood. In this study, 24 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. To establish the rabbit mandibular distraction osteogenesis model, the mandibles of rabbits in distraction osteogenesis groups were subjected to continuous osteogenesis distraction at a rate of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm/d, respectively, by controlling rounds of screwing each day in the distractors. In the sham group, mandible osteotomy was performed without distraction. Pin-prick test with a 10 g blunt pin on the labium, histological and histomorphometric analyses with methylene blue staining, Bodian's silver staining, transmission electron microscopy and myelinated fiber density of inferior alveolar nerve cross-sections were performed to assess inferior alveolar nerve conditions. At 28 days after model establishment, in the pin-prick test, the inferior alveolar nerve showed no response in the labium to a pin pricks in the 2 mm/d group, indicating a severe dysfunction. Histological and histomorphometric analyses indicated that the inferior alveolar nerve suffered more degeneration and injuries at a high distraction rate (2 mm/d). Importantly, the nerve regeneration, indicated by newborn Schwann cells and axons, was more abundant in 1.0 and 1.5 mm/d groups than in 2.0 mm/d group. We concluded that the distraction rate was strongly associated with the inferior alveolar nerve function, and the distraction rates of 1.0 and 1.5 mm/d had regenerative effects on the inferior alveolar nerve. This study provides an experimental basis for the relationship between distraction rate and nerve degeneration-regeneration shift during distraction osteogenesis, and may facilitate reducing nerve complications during distraction osteogenesis.

Follicle Microstructure and Innervation Vary between Pinniped Micro- and Macrovibrissae

Histological data from terrestrial, semiaquatic, and fully aquatic mammal vibrissa (whisker) studies indicate that follicle microstructure and innervation vary across the mystacial vibrissal array (i.e. medial microvibrissae to lateral macrovibrissae). However, comparative data are lacking, and current histological studies on pinniped vibrissae only focus on the largest ventrolateral vibrissae. Consequently, we investigated the microstructure, medial-to-lateral innervation, and morphometric trends in harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) vibrissal follicle-sinus complexes (F-SCs). The F-SCs were sectioned either longitudinally or in cross-section and stained with a modified Masson's trichrome stain (microstructure) or Bodian's silver stain (innervation). All F-SCs exhibited a tripartite blood organization system. The dermal capsule thickness, the distribution of major branches of the deep vibrissal nerve, and the hair shaft design were more symmetrical in medial F-SCs, but these features became more asymmetrical as the F-SCs became more lateral. Overall, the mean axon count was 1,221 ± 422.3 axons/F-SC and mean axon counts by column ranged from 550 ± 97.4 axons/F-SC (medially, column 11) to 1,632 ± 173.2 axons/F-SC (laterally, column 2). These values indicate a total of 117,216 axons innervating the entire mystacial vibrissal array. The mean axon count of lateral F-SCs was 1,533 ± 192.9 axons/ F-SC, which is similar to values reported in the literature for other pinniped F-SCs. Our data suggest that conventional studies that only examine the largest ventrolateral vibrissae may overestimate the total innervation by ∼20%. However, our study also accounts for variation in quantification methods and shows that conventional analyses likely only overestimate innervation by ∼10%. The relationship between axon count and cross-sectional F-SC surface area was nonlinear, and axon densities were consistent across the snout. Our data indicate that harp seals exhibit microstructural and innervational differences between their microvibrissae (columns 8-11) and macrovibrissae (columns 1-7). We hypothesize that this feature is conserved among pinnipeds and may result in functional compartmentalization within their mystacial vibrissal arrays.

Are vibrissae viable sensory structures for prey capture in northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris?

Little is known about the tactics northern elephant seals (NES) use to capture prey due to the difficulties in observing these animals underwater. NES forage on vertically migrating prey at depths >500 m during day and at night where light levels are negligible. Although NES have increased visual sensitivity in deep water, vision is likely a limited sensory modality. Still images of NES foraging show that the mystacial vibrissae are protracted before prey capture. As a representative phocid, harbor seals can follow hydrodynamic trails using their vibrissae, and are highly sensitive to water velocity changes. In lieu of performance data, vibrissal innervation can be used as a proxy for sensitivity. Although comparative data are few, seals average 1,000 to 1,600 axons per vibrissa (five to eight times more than terrestrial mammals). To test the hypothesis that NES have increased innervation as other pinnipeds, vibrissae from the ventral-caudal mystacial field from nine individuals were sectioned and stained for microstructure (trichrome) and innervation (Bodian silver stain). Follicles were tripartite and consisted of lower and upper cavernous sinuses separated by a ring sinus containing an asymmetrical ringwulst. The deep vibrissal nerve penetrated the follicular capsule at the base, branched into several bundles, and coursed through the lower cavernous sinus to the ring sinus. Axons in the ring sinus terminated in the ringwulst and along the inner conical body. NES averaged 1,584 axons per vibrissa. The results add to the growing body of evidence that phocids, and perhaps all pinnipeds, possess highly sensitive mystacial vibrissae that detect prey.

The IRS-2 branch of the IGF-1 signaling cascade is critical for appropriate timing of myelination

Myelination is characterized by proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes, and accumulation of myelin-associated proteins and lipids. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) deficiency decreases, whereas overexpression of IGF-1 increases myelination, suggesting an important function for IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling in the development of myelin. However, the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 branch of the IGF-1 signaling cascade seems not to be critical for myelination. To address whether IRS-2 is critical for development of myelin we analyzed IRS-2 knock out (IRS-2-/-) mice and age matched wild type (wt) littermates at 5, 10 days, and 2, 3, 5, 8 weeks of age. Interestingly, myelin basic protein (MBP) expression was significantly reduced at postnatal day 10 in IRS-2-/- mice compared to age matched wt animals (85% reduction, p<0.001, n=6). Western blot analysis of isolated myelin using anti-MBP-antibodies showed no difference indicating a reduced but not qualitatively altered myelination. Surprisingly, a compensatory upregulation of IRS-1- and IGF-1R-mRNA was found in IRS 2-/- mice at the age of 10 days using real-time PCR analysis. Furthermore, an increase of IGF-1R signaling was observed in these animals as shown by increased phosphorylation of proteinkinase B, extracellular related kinases-1/-2, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β, suggesting a compensatory mechanism to overcome IRS-2 deficiency. Histological investigation of adult mice using Bodian silver staining revealed no difference in myelination. To test whether the IRS-2 signaling branch is critical for oligodendrocyte proliferation we measured cell densities in corpus callosum and commissura anterior, showing similar results in IRS-2-/- and wt mice. Motor coordination testing using rota-rod in 8 week old animals revealed no difference between the genotypes, excluding motorical deficiencies in the IRS-2-/- mice. Thus, the IRS-2 branch of the IGF-1R signaling cascade is critical for appropriate timing of myelin development.

Widespread spinal cord involvement in corticobasal degeneration

We examined spinal cord lesions in eight patients with a pathological diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Using Gallyas-Braak (G-B) staining or AT-8 tau immunostaining, a few neuropil threads were identified in the white matter of the CBD spinal cords, mainly in the anterior funiculus, whereas the posterior funiculus was well preserved without threads. In the gray matter of the CBD spinal cords, particularly in the intermediate gray matter, there were widespread neuropil threads and neuronal inclusions. Large motor neurons in the anterior horn, neurons in the intermediolateral column, and Clarke's column were relatively well preserved from neuronal loss and gliosis. Neuronal inclusions were of the globose type, suggestive of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), or showed diffuse granular accumulations of cytoplasmic tau, suggestive of pretangles. No typical NFTs, recognized by Bodian silver staining, were identified. The distribution of neuropil threads and G-B- or AT-8 tau-positive small neurons resembled that of interneurons. No astrocytic plaques were present in any of the CBD spinal cords, and only a few coiled bodies were seen. Neuropil threads in the white and gray matter and neuronal inclusions in the gray matter were prominent in cervical segments, and their density decreased caudally. We suggest that the presence of neuropil threads, particularly in the cervical intermediate gray matter, and the presence of neuronal inclusions, particularly in cervical interneurons, is an essential pathological feature of CBD.

Immunohistochemical localization of cardio-active neuropeptides in the heart of a living fossil, Nautilus pompilius L. (Cephalopoda, Tetrabranchiata).

Neuropeptides play an important role in modulating the effects of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and noradrenaline in the heart and the vascular system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Various neuropeptides, including substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and FMRFamide, have been localized in the brain in cephalopods and the neurosecretory system of the vena cava. Previous studies involving cephalopods have mainly focussed on the modern, coleoid cephalopods, whereas little attention was paid to the living fossil Nautilus. In this study, the distributions of the peptides related to tachykinins (TKs) and the high affinity receptor for the best characterized TK substance P (tachykinin NK-1), VIP, as well as FMRFamide were investigated in the heart of Nautilus pompilius L. by immunohistochemistry. TK-like immunoreactivity (TK-LI) was seen associated to a sub-population of hemocytes, VIP-LI glial cells in larger nerves entering the heart, whereas FMRFamide immunoreactivity was distributed throughout the entire heart, including the semilunar atrioventricular valves. The pattern of FMRFamide immunoreactivity matched that of Bodian silver staining for nervous tissue. The NK-1-LI receptor was located on endothelial cells, which were also positive for endothelial nitric oxide synthase-LI (eNOS). The results indicate that neuropeptides may be involved in the regulation of the Nautilus heart via different mechanisms, (1) by direct interaction with myocardial receptors (FMRFamide), (2) by interacting with the nervus cardiacus (VIP-related peptides) and (3) indirectly by stimulating eNOS in the endothelium throughout the heart (TK-related peptides).

Tau accumulation in a patient with pallidonigroluysian atrophy

We studied the brain of a patient with pallidonigroluysian atrophy (PNLA) in whom argyrophilic and abnormally phosphorylated tau positive neurons and glia were identified in the brain on Gallyas–Braak silver staining and immunohistochemical analysis although neurofibrillary tangles were not seen by Bodian silver stain. Immunohistochemical studies using six anti-tau antibodies that recognize the different phosphorylated epitopes of tau protein revealed that these epitopes in neurons and glial cells share common characteristics with neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease. Immunoblot analysis of phosphorylated tau protein showed major bands of 64 and 68 kDa and after dephosphorylation, tau consisted mainly of 4 repeat tau. No mutations were detected in the coding exons and their flanking intronic regions of the tau gene. This study suggests that PNLA is one of tauopathy and the biochemical characteristics of phosphorylated tau are similar to those found in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration.

Development of layer I of the human cerebral cortex after midgestation: architectonic findings, immunocytochemical identification of neurons and glia, and in situ labeling of apoptotic cells.

The development of layer I was studied in the human frontal cortex from 21 weeks of gestation (GW) to 2.5 postnatal months in series of adjacent sections processed for thionin staining, Bodian silver staining, and immunocytochemical labeling of neurons and glia. In addition, the terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to label in situ DNA fragmentation. A progressive decrease of cell density and the disappearance of the subpial granular layer (SGL) appeared as distinctive developmental features of human layer I, consistently with previous investigations. The neuronal antigen microtubule-associated protein2 was found to label preferentially Cajal-Retzius cells and dendritic processes extending from the cortical plate. At midgestation, the calcium binding protein calretinin stained in the marginal zone numerous neurons, including the Cajal-Retzius cells and their processes. Calretinin-immunoreactive neurons decreased during the subsequent maturation: such decline was abrupt in the SGL, whereas bipolar calretinin-immunopositive cells accumulated in the inner marginal zone to be presumably incorporated into the cortical plate. Cajal-Retzius cells expressed calretinin throughout the examined developmental stages. The glial antigen vimentin was already expressed at midgestation, and vimentin immunopositivity decreased progressively in cell bodies and fibers of layer I during development. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive elements gradually matured, and the positive cell bodies displayed the features of mature astrocytes at the end of gestation. Moreover, a decrease of free glial cells was observed in layer I, suggesting their progressive incorporation into the cortical plate. TUNEL-positive cells were detected at midgestation in the marginal zone, and they were concentrated in the SGL until its disappearance; their number decreased dramatically throughout layer I after 30 gestational weeks. TUNEL-positive nuclei or regressive changes were not detected in Cajal-Retzius cells throughout the examined developmental stages. Thus, our data point out that naturally occurring cell death is an active mechanism contributing to the disappearance of the SGL but not to the subsequent developmental reshaping of human layer I, in which, instead, migratory phenomena should play a major role. In addition, our findings argue against a disappearance of Cajal-Retzius cells due to regressive processes.

Optimal conduct of the neuropathology evaluation of organophosphorus induced delayed neuropathy in hens

Susceptibility of various areas of the nervous system to TOCP (triorthocresyl phosphate) induced delayed neuropathy was assessed in groups of seven hens respectively, intoxicated with a single oral does of 500 or 1000 mg/kg body weight. 18 hens were used as negative controls. About 3 weeks after the treatment the hens were submitted to fixation by whole body perfusion and their nervous system processed either to paraffin sections stained with Bodian's silver stain and luxol counterstain, or to semi-thin plastic sections stained with toluidine blue. The examined areas were the cerebellum, the spinal cord at upper cervical, thoracic and lumbar level, the sciatic nerve, and the posterior tibial nerve. The extent of nerve fiber degeneration was assessed independently by two pathologists using a semiquantitative scoring system. The most susceptible areas were the cerebellum and the tibial nerve, followed by the upper cervical spinal cord. Within the cerebellum the nerve fibers in the rostral lobules, especially IV and Va, were affected. Whereas the resolution of plastic section was superior to that of paraffin sections in the cerebellum (mid-longitudinal level) and the spinal cord (transverse level), in the peripheral nerves the lesions were best recognized in the longitudinal, paraffin sections. There was very good agreement between both pathologists with respect to detection and grading of lesions in the most susceptible areas, but poor agreement in the areas of low susceptibility, indicating the danger of false results when lesions are not very distinct. In the susceptible areas the lesions induced with 500 mg/kg were sufficiently prominent, indicating that this dose-level is acceptable as positive control. In the hen nervous system, examination of the most susceptible areas, especially the rostral cerebellar lobules, appears to be suitable for detection of any kind of organophosphorus induced, delayed neuropathy.

Large Specimen Bone Embedment and Cement Line Staining

Undecalcified embedment of large bone specimens is often challenging. A method is presented here that is suitable for methacrylate embedment of sections of canine vertebrae while retaining the ability to localize tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity. Specimens also retained tetracycline labelling, and sectioned preparations were readily stained with routine bone procedures. A modification of the Bodian silver stain, used for examining the nerves and spinal cord in these specimens, provided a useful stain for canaliculi and cement lines in trabecular and cortical bone. This stain is advantageous when both bone and nerve tissue are of interest, as in spinal fusion studies.

Nerves in human epiphyseal uncalcified cartilage.

Increasing evidence demonstrates clinical and neuroendocrine regulation of the skeletal system. We have demonstrated nerve fibers in cartilage canals in human fetal epiphyseal uncalcified cartilage. We investigated specimens from the femur, the proximal tibia, and the humerus from 12 human bodies with an age from the 22nd gestational week to 13 months after birth. We performed Bodian silver staining, Klüver-Barrera staining, and immunostaining for neurofilaments, myelin basic protein. S-100 protein, and vimentin. We observed positive Bodian staining and immunoreaction to neurofilaments in all specimens older than the 30th week of gestational age. Myelin or Schwann cells could not be demonstrated, nor could mechanoreceptors. This indicates a traditional classification as type C nerve fibers with sensory or sympathetic function. In skeletal nerves, an increasing number of neuropeptides influencing bone cells has been detected. The nerves in the cartilage canals may have functions such as regulation of developmental or pathological processes.

The mechanism of Bodian's silver staining: effect of copper ion on silver impregnation

We studied the effect of the duration (0.5–48 h) of silver impregnation on the intensity of Bodian's silver staining using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of a human brain. The silver ion (Ag +) and copper ion (Cu 2+) in the silver protein solution were quantified simultaneously for treatments of various durations. Both the intensity of staining and the quantities of Ag + and Cu 2+ were greatly affected by the duration of silver impregnation. While the quantity of Ag + considerably decreased during the first 4 h of impregnation, that of Cu 2+ greatly increased. Only small changes were observed in both ions after 12 h. Neurofibrils or axons, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) were clearly stained after 12–14 and 16–48 h of impregnation, respectively. Strong staining of these components was not observed for other durations of treatment. The amount of metallic copper in silver impregnation also affected both the intensity of staining and the quantities of Ag + and Cu 2+ in the silver protein solution. Ag + and Cu 2+ were also present in the gold trichloride acid solution in which the section was toned. These findings suggest that both Cu 2+ derived from metallic copper and silver protein are deposited on sections during silver impregnation, that the amount of Cu 2+ may determine the amount of silver protein deposited on the section, and that the reduced (metallic) form of silver and copper on the section may participate in gold toning. Thus, to achieve strong staining of a desired component, it is important to examine the conditions of silver impregnation (i.e. duration and amount of metallic copper). For strong staining of neurofibrils, axons and NFTs, optimal results are obtained by the addition of 5 g of metallic copper foil to 100 ml of 1% silver protein solution, and by 16–24 h of impregnation.

Microwave Modification of the Methenamine Silver Technique for the Demonstration of Alzheimer-Type Pathology

A microwave modification of the methenamine silver technique is detailed for the demonstration of Alzheimertype pathology. This method is compared with a microwave modification of the Bielschowsky silver stain and other modifications of the methenamine silver stain as well as with the original Bodian silver stain and β-amyloid immunohistochemistry for the demonstration of plaque formation. The efficiency of the methenamine silver stain was remarkably improved by microwave heating (reducing the staining procedure time to 15 min on average). In addition, different microwave energy levels and timing in combination with gold-toning mimicked the appearance of either the Bielschowsky silver or β-amyloid immununohistochemical stains. By utilizing microwaves we have been able to refine the methenamine silver stain to produce a flexible, consistent, time-efficient and cost-effective stain for Alzheimertype pathology. (The J Histotechnol 19:33, 1996)

Microwave Modification of the Methenamine Silver Technique for the Demonstration of Alzheimer-Type Pathology

A microwave modification of the methenamine silver technique is detailed for the demonstration of Alzheimertype pathology. This method is compared with a microwave modification of the Bielschowsky silver stain and other modifications of the methenamine silver stain as well as with the original Bodian silver stain and β-amyloid immunohistochemistry for the demonstration of plaque formation. The efficiency of the methenamine silver stain was remarkably improved by microwave heating (reducing the staining procedure time to 15 min on average). In addition, different microwave energy levels and timing in combination with gold-toning mimicked the appearance of either the Bielschowsky silver or β-amyloid immununohistochemical stains. By utilizing microwaves we have been able to refine the methenamine silver stain to produce a flexible, consistent, time-efficient and cost-effective stain for Alzheimertype pathology. (The J Histotechnol 19:33, 1996)

Glial fibrillary tangles with straight tubules in the brains of patients with progressive supranuclear palsy

A recent report has described the appearance of silver positive, tau-immunoreactive astrocytes in the brains of patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) (Neurosci. Lett., 135 (1992) 99-102). In this study we confirmed this finding in two cases of PSP by using Bodian silver staining and immunohistochemistry with antibody to human tau protein. By electron microscopy we demonstrated that fibrillary masses present in these unique astrocytes were made up of straight tubules that were indistinguishable from those of neurofibrillary tangles of PSP. The term 'glial fibrillary tangle' was proposed for these structures.

Combined Microwave Stain for Plastic Embedded Sections of Nerve and Connective Tissue

A staining method for glycol methacrylate embedded tissue sections utilizing microwave radiation is reported. Following the Bodian silver stain, tissue sections were exposed to resorcin-fuchsin and picro-Sirius red F3BA techniques. Microwaving reduced staining time from 20 to less than 6 hours. Neurofibril and nerve fibers stained purple-black, elastic fibers were blue-black to black and collagenous connective tissue was red. Cytoplasm, in general, stained graygreen. (The J Histotechnol 15:113, 1992)

Combined Microwave Stain for Plastic Embedded Sections of Nerve and Connective Tissue

A staining method for glycol methacrylate embedded tissue sections utilizing microwave radiation is reported. Following the Bodian silver stain, tissue sections were exposed to resorcin-fuchsin and picro-Sirius red F3BA techniques. Microwaving reduced staining time from 20 to less than 6 hours. Neurofibril and nerve fibers stained purple-black, elastic fibers were blue-black to black and collagenous connective tissue was red. Cytoplasm, in general, stained graygreen. (The J Histotechnol 15:113, 1992)

Appearance of paired nucleated, Tau-positive glia in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy brain tissue.

Many Tau-positive glia with paired nuclei and astrocyte type morphology were identified in three brains from patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). They were positive by Bielschowsky's and Bodian's silver staining as well as by immunostaining with Tau-2, Alz-50, anti-GFAP and anti-paired helical filament antibodies, but not with anti-ubiquitin antibody. They were predominantly localized in the striatum, thalamus and frontal cortex but were not seen in white matter and were not plentiful in areas of heavy neuronal degeneration. Electron microscopy clearly showed the nuclear pairing and localized the Tau protein to bundles suggestive of microtubules in the cytoplasm and proximal processes. Such glial cells were rarely seen in cases of other neurodegenerative diseases or neurologically normal controls. These data suggest that there is an unusual gliotic reaction in PSP in brain areas which show relatively little neuronal loss.