title: Neuromelanin in the substantia nigra of adult horses.
abstract: The structure and histochemical properties of neuromelanin in the Substantia nigra of the horse were studied by light and electron microscopy. Morphological, histochemical and cytochemical evidences showed the presence of a melanin component in some pigment granules, even if a large quantity of granules displayed only the properties of lipofuscins. Pigment formation in the neurons of the Substantia nigra of the horse may take place through the tyrosine-tyrosinase enzymatic pathway, as shown by positive Dopa-reaction. The results obtained were discussed in reference to the possible use of melanin as a marker for catecholaminergic neurons in the brainstem of the horse.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Anatomia degli Animal Domestica con Istologia ed Embriologia, University of Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cozzi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pellegrini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Droghi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008254:Macaca nemestrina; D008543:Melanins / Q000032:analysis*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009474:Neurons / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; C014121:neuromelanin