Ultrastructure of alpha-synuclein-positive aggregations in U373 astrocytoma and rat primary glial cells.

Abstract

Abnormal alpha-synuclein-positive glial cytoplasmic inclusions are found in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies. We have recently developed an in vitro model of alpha-synuclein-immunoreactive aggregations in U373 astrocytoma cells. We have additionally overexpressed wild-type and a C-terminally truncated form of alpha-synuclein in primary rat glial cells. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were found to form alpha-synuclein-positive aggregations in vitro perinuclearly or in the processes of the cells. The morphological studies presented here demonstrate that the aggregations we have observed in vitro are not limited by a membrane but have unclear borders. They have an amorphous dense core that is intensely alpha-synuclein-immunopositive and a predominantly filamentous halo around. Mainly filamentous structures at the border area between the halo and the core are alpha-synuclein-immunoreactive. We conclude that this in vitro model of alpha-synuclein-positive glial aggregations mimics the morphology of the abnormal glial inclusions described in neurodegenerative disorders and could be a suitable model for studying their role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

• Authors: N Stefanova, M Emgård, L Klimaschewski, G K Wenning, M Reindl
• Journal: Neuroscience letters (Neurosci Lett) Vol. 323 Issue 1 Pg. 37-40 (Apr 19 2002) ISSN: 0304-3940 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 11911985 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Nerve Tissue Proteins
• Snca protein, rat
• Synucleins
• alpha-Synuclein

Topics

• Animals
• Astrocytoma (chemistry, pathology, ultrastructure)
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Nerve Tissue Proteins (metabolism)
• Neurodegenerative Diseases (pathology)
• Neuroglia (chemistry, pathology, ultrastructure)
• Rats
• Synucleins
• Tumor Cells, Cultured
• alpha-Synuclein