CNS Pathology for Medical II Students

Lab 1c Slides 15.1 & 15.2--Alzheimer's Disease

This is a section of the hippocampus impregnated with silver (Bielschowsky) for demonstrating two specific changes: a) senile plaques that appear as small collections of dark, irregular, thread-like structures often with a brownish material in the center. The central core is represented by amyloid and the irregular, beaded linear structures represent abnormal neurites (small dendrites and axons with degenerative changes). b) neurofibrillary tangles--dark staining fibrillary material within neurons. They often occupy the entire neuron and appear flame-shaped. The fine structure of these fibrils is characterized by the presence of constrictions at regular intervals. Both senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are abundant in Alzheimer's disease although they are seen in smaller number in elderly individuals with dementia.

Slides 15.1 & 15.2

Slide 15.1 Typical senile plaques with central core and degenerating swollen neurites around it. Note many neurofibrillary tangles.
Slide 15.2 Higher magnification of Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles.

Digital Legends for Labs/Cases
Lab 1
1.a | 1.b | 1.c | 1.d | 1.e

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Medical II

Updated August 28, 2007