In the present study the occurrence and distribution of glial fibrillary tangles (GFT) and their related structures in
diffuse neurofibrillary tangles with calcification (
DNTC) were investigated using Gallyas-Braak (GB)
stain. Six cases neuropathologically diagnosed as
DNTC were studied (two males and four females). The age at death ranged from 56 to 73 years, with an average of 63.5+/-7.5 years. GFT were classified morphologically, and their immunoreactivites for tau and
ubiquitin were examined. Glial cells with GFT were identified with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes by immunostain for
glial fibrillary acidic protein and
transferrin, respectively. A small number of coiled bodies detected within the oligodendrocytes in the white matter of the cerebrum were positive for tau and
ubiquitin. Cell clusters of thorn-shaped astrocytes were detected in the subcortical and subpial regions where
gliosis occurred. Thorn-shaped astrocytes were positive for tau, but negative for
ubiquitin. A small number of tuft-shaped astrocytes detected prominently in the temporal cortex and amygdala with numerous neurofibrillary tangles were positive for tau and
ubiquitin. All three types of GFT were detected, especially in the temporal and limbic lobes, which were the most severely affected sites in
DNTC. Moreover, various-shaped neurofibrillary tangles, aggregated rods and some argyrophilic threads were differentiated from GFT. They were positive for GB, but not detected within the glial cells.