Noradrenergic innervation of human pineal gland: abnormalities in aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Using previously characterized polyclonal antibody directed against dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), immunoreactive fibers were demonstrable in pineals of 6 controls of various ages and of 3 individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Abnormal, swollen axons were present in pineals from aged individuals and from individuals with AD. The pathology of noradrenergic axons in a structure innervated by the superior cervical ganglion suggests that peripheral noradrenergic systems may be affected in aging and in AD.
Jengeleski
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National Institute of Mental Health, Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, Washington, DC.
Powers
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O'Connor
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Price
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D000320:Adrenergic Fibers / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000254:growth & development / Q000294:innervation* / Q000473:pathology
D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase