Ultrastructural study of methionine sulfoximine-induced Alzheimer type II astrocytosis.

Abstract

An ultrastructural study of cerebral cortex was performed in rats during the preictal period following the administration of the convulsant methionine sulfoximine (MSO). The morphologic changes were restricted to astrocytes and consisted of cytoplasmic enlargement, mitochondrial and rough endoplasmic reticulum proliferation, accumulation of glycogen, development of cisternal and saccular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear chromatin clumping, and hydropic degenerative changes. These findings resemble those seen in experimental ammonia encephalopathy, suggesting an important role of ammonia in the evolution of these morphologic changes. The findings, moreover, suggest that the primary effect of MSO is on astrocytes and that abnormalities in astrocytes may play a role in the development of MSO-induced seizures.

• Authors: J A Gutierrez, M D Norenberg
• Journal: The American journal of pathology (Am J Pathol) Vol. 86 Issue 2 Pg. 285-300 (Feb 1977) ISSN: 0002-9440 [Print] United States
• PMID: 556886 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Methionine Sulfoximine

Topics

• Alzheimer Disease (chemically induced, pathology)
• Animals
• Astrocytes (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Cerebral Cortex (ultrastructure)
• Dementia (pathology)
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ultrastructure)
• Humans
• Male
• Methionine Sulfoximine (administration & dosage)
• Mitochondria (ultrastructure)
• Neuroglia (ultrastructure)
• Rats
• Seizures (chemically induced)
• Vacuoles (ultrastructure)