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Re-evaluation of classic senile plaques by three-dimensional analysis

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Abstract

We evaluated the proportion of classic plaques among all of the senile plaques in four Alzheimer brains (frontal, temporal, occipital and hippocampal areas) by the usual method of two-dimensional analysis using a single methenamine silver-stained section and three-dimensional analysis using a set of serial sections. Three-dimensional analysis showed the number and percentage of classic plaques to be 2–5 times greater than those revealed by two-dimensional analysis. In the hippocampal area of one case, no classic plaques were found by two-dimensional analysis but three-dimensional analysis showed that some classic plaques were present. From these findings, it is suggested that three-dimensional analysis using serial sections is indispensable for sub-classifying senile plaques.

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Kimura, T., Hisano, T., Yoshida, H. et al. Re-evaluation of classic senile plaques by three-dimensional analysis. J Neurol 241, 624–627 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00920628

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00920628

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