RESEARCH: In vitro model of alpha-synuclein-positive glial aggregations

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Neurosci Lett 2002 Apr 19;323(1):37-40

Ultrastructure of alpha-synuclein-positive

aggregations in U373 astrocytoma and rat primary glial

cells.

Stefanova N, Emgard M, Klimaschewski L, Wenning GK,

Reindl M.

Department of Neurology, University of lnnsbruck,

Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

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.

PMID: 11911985 [PubMed - in process]

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