Summary
The so-called neuromelanin pigments in the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus ofMacaca fuscata yakui were studied electron microscopically and cytochemically. Eight Japanese monkeys were perfused with buffered 4% formaldehyde solutions. The materials were post-fixed in buffered 2% osmium tetroxide solutions for 2 hours or immersed in an incubation medium for acid phosphatase before post-osmification. They were dehydrated and embedded in Epon mixture.
The neuromelanin pigment granules measure up to 1 μ in diameter and consist of three structural components which are similar to those of lipofuscin except that the former contain electron dense coarse patches. A conspicuous round and homogenous inclusion body without any crystalline structure occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.
The probable process of neuromelanin formation is discussed, as well as the functional significance of intra-mitochondrial inclusions and acid phosphatase activity. It is suggested that neuromelanin pigments originate from lysosomes, in which altered catecholamines accumulate as coarse patches.
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This paper is dedicated to the memory of the late Prof.Hiroshi Hosokawa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo.
This work was initiated at the suggestion of Dr.S. Sakai, Juntendo University, School of Medicine, Department of Medical History. The author is indebted to Prof.J. Nakai and Associate Prof.S. Igarashi, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, for their criticism, reading of the manuscript and advice.
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Hirosawa, K. Electron microscopic studies on pigment granules in the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus of the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata yakui). Z.Zellforsch 88, 187–203 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00703907
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00703907