Nuclear morphology and RNA content as markers of functional integrity of nerve cells, with application to the study of dementia

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• AS_2_n1_73_MAN (3,0M)

Abstract

Under steady, or normal, conditions, cytophotometric and morphometric measurement of the amount of RNA and nuclear and nucleolar volume shows that for nerve cells of any particular type, all 3 are interrelated and set at genetically pre-determined levels that allow the production of precisely the correct amount of protein needed by cells of that size to maintain their metabolic economy. However, in abnormal situations, especially ones of neurological disease, such as the dementia of middle age and later life (Alzheimer's disease) these features are reduced in amount or size, to match altered requirements for protein by these cells. Furthermore, decreases in protein synthesis capacity correlate with degree of mental impairment. These findings indicate that measurements of RNA content, nuclear and nucleolar volume can act as markers of functional integrity of nerve cells.

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A propos de : David Michael Andrew Mann