Ultrastructural evidence that insoluble microtubules are components of the neurofibrillary tangle

Miguel A. Pappolla, Julia Alzofon, James McMahon, Theodor J. Theodoropoulos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The ultrastructure of Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles is heterogeneous and includes abnormal paired helical filaments (PHF) and various other insoluble structures. Insoluble non-PHF components isolated from neurofibrillary tangles were examined by electron microscopy. Comparison of these fractions with normal assembled neurofilaments and normal brain microtubules revealed scattered profiles which were morphologically (not chemically) identical to structures present in the microtubule, but not in the neurofilament preparations. These results support the notion that insoluble microtubules contribute to the make up of the neurofibrillary tangle. Based on these findings, preliminary experiments were conducted which suggest that non-enzymatic glycosylation may be a pathway leading to insolubility of the microtubules.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)314-319
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences
Volume239
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1990
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Glycosylation
  • Neuropathology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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