[Cell to cell transfer of dense bodies induced by intracisternal infusion of leupeptin in rat cerebellum--quantitative and ultrastructural studies].
Previous studies have demonstrated that rats treated with a proteinase inhibitor, leupeptin (Leu), show an accumulation of lipofuscin (Lf)-like dense bodies in the neurons. The present study examines the quantitative and ultrastructural changes in the Lf-like dense bodies of Purkinje (P) cells and Bergmann (B) glia over 20 days following a 4-day regimen of Leu administration by intracisternal infusion. Toluidine blue staining revealed considerable Lf-like granules in both types of cells 1 day after Leu infusion. However, these granules had almost disappeared by 20 days after infusion. Quantitative analysis revealed a decrease in the amount of accumulated Lf-like granules in P cells whereas the granules in B glia increased 10 days after Leu infusion. Electron microscopic examination revealed the presence of Lf-like dense bodies on the plasma membranes of both the P cells and B glia. The present results suggest that Leu-induced dense bodies in P cells are transferred to B glia, indicating a possible route for the removal of Lf.
Taniuchi
H
H
Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Asahikawa Medical College, Asahikawa, Japan.
Nunomura
A
A
D000818:Animals; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000166:cytology*; D002946:Cisterna Magna / Q000187:drug effects*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007976:Leupeptins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008062:Lipofuscin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011689:Purkinje Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D007976:Leupeptins; D008062:Lipofuscin; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; C032854:leupeptin