Polyglucosan bodies in the brain of the cat

Abstract

Polyglucosan bodies (PGB) were examined by light and electron microscopy in the brain of cats without neurological signs. PGB in the feline brain were round, basophilic, PAS-positive, filamentous structures. Both morphologically and histochemically, PGB in the cat were identical to Lafora bodies and similar structures found in man and other animals. Most of the bodies were situated in the neuronal processes, but were not found in perikarya. PGB were disseminated throughout the brain, especially in the cerebral cortex, midbrain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata. The occurrence of PGB in the feline brain may represent an ageing phenomenon.