Acta Neuropathologica

, Volume 58, Issue 2, pp 120–124 | Cite as

An ultrastructural study of spontaneous mineralization in the brains of aging mice

  • K. T. Morgan
  • B. P. Johnson
  • C. H. Frith
  • J. Townsend
Original Works
Received:
Accepted:

Summary

Spontaneous mineralization observed in the thalamus, and meninges of the median longitudinal fissure, of several strains of mice was studied by light and electron microscopy. The mineralized deposits were closely associated with blood vessels, were periodic acid-Schiff positive, and contained variable amounts of calcium. The thalamic deposits were found to be in an extra-cellular location, and consisted of a randomly arranged mass of fine fibrils or spicules, with laminations of varying electron density in larger deposits. The deposits appeared to develop on the surface of subendothelial and medial, vascular basement membranes. Energy dispersive, X-ray microanalysis demonstrated the presence of both calcium and phosphorus in small and large deposits.

Key words

Mouse Thalamus Mineralization X-ray microanalysis 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Adachi M, Wellman KF, Volk BW (1968) Histochemical studies on pathogenesis of idiopathic non-arteriosclerotic cerebral calcification. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 27:483–499Google Scholar
  2. Fraser H (1968) Bilateral thalamic calcification in aging mice. J Pathol Bacteriol 96:220–222Google Scholar
  3. Greenfield's neuropathology (1976) Blackwood W, Corsellis JAN (eds) 3rd edn. Arnold, LondonGoogle Scholar
  4. Luna LG (1968) Manual of histological staining methods of the Armed Forces Instituted of Pathology. McGraw-Hill, New YorkGoogle Scholar
  5. Saal, JR, Coombe IF, Thomas BW, Tonge JI, Burry AF (1978) Cerebellar calcification-ultrastructure and histochemistry. Pathology 10:351–363Google Scholar
  6. Schmidt LM (1978) Concentric lamellated psammoma-like bodies in the third ventricle of the European mole rat (Spalax leucodon, Nordmann 1840). Acta Neuropathol (Berl) 43:255–258Google Scholar
  7. Sheldon WG, Greenman DL (1980) Spontaneous lesions in control BALB/c female mice. ED01 Symposium. J Environ Pathol Toxicol 3:155–167Google Scholar
  8. Tonge JI, Burry AF, Saal JR (1977) Cerebellar calcification; a possible marker of lead poisoning. Pathology 9:289–300Google Scholar
  9. Ward JM, Goodman DG, Squire RA, Chu KC, Linhart MS (1979) Neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in aging (C57BL/6NXC3H/HeN)F, (B6C3F) mice. J Natl Cancer Inst 63:849–854Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1982

Authors and Affiliations

  • K. T. Morgan
    • 2
    • 1
  • B. P. Johnson
    • 2
    • 1
  • C. H. Frith
    • 2
    • 1
  • J. Townsend
    • 2
    • 1
  1. 1.Pathology Services Project, Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug AdministrationNational Center for Toxicological ResearchJeffersonUSA
  2. 2.Department of PathologyUniversity of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle RockUSA

Personalised recommendations