Alzheimer type II astrocyte

The Alzheimer type II astrocyte is a pathological type of cell in the brain. Like other astrocytes, it is a non-neuronal glial cell. They are not associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Magnified image of Alzheimer type II astrocyte. Note the enlarged nuclei of these astrocytes.

Characteristics

Alzheimer type II astrocytes are visually characterized by an enlarged size and lack of cytoplasm. [1] These astrocytes appear to metabolically hyperactive, and contain vesicular nuclei and basophilic nucleoli. [2] They also contain thin marginal chromatin and excessive amounts of glycogen. [1] Alzheimer type II astrocytes may be found in both cortical and subcortical areas, including the brain stem, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and thalamus.[3]

Pathology

Alzheimer type II astrocytes are present in hepatic encephalopathy and Wilson's disease.[4] The presence of Alzheimer type astrocytes is a key indicator of hepatic encephalopathy, and may be induced by increased bodily ammonia.[5] The origin of Alzheimer type II astrocytes is unclear, although they are known to arise from astroglial cells in the development of Wilson's disease. [6] Experiments with mice have shown that exposure to manganese leads to the development of Alzheimer's type II astrocytes. [7] This suggests that manganism, a neurological disorder with Parkinson's-like symptoms, is caused by the development of these astrocytes through manganese poisoning.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 , Albrecht Jan, Jones Anthony E (2000). "Hepatic encephalocity: molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical syndrome." Journal of the Neurological Sciences 172(1): 77.
  2. ↑ Online Medical Dictionary at CancerWeb
  3. ↑ , University of Rochester Medical Center. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  4. ↑ Blueprints Neurology, 2nd ed.
  5. ↑ , Norenberg MD (1987). "The role of astrocytes in hepatic encephalopathy." Neurochememical Pathology 6(1-2):13-33.
  6. ↑ , Bertrand E, et al. (2001). "Neuropathological analysis of pathological forms of astroglia in Wilson's disease." Folia Neuropathologica 39(2):73-79.
  7. 1 2 , Hazell Alan S, et al. (2006). "Alzheimer type II astrocytic changes following sub-acute exposure to manganese and its prevention by antioxidant treatment." Neuroscience Letters 396(3):167-171.


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