Shrinkage of the myenteric neurons of the small intestine in patients with multiple system atrophy

Auton Neurosci. 2019 Nov:221:102583. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2019.102583. Epub 2019 Aug 22.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether enteric neurons are involved in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Four-μm-thick slices of small intestine were prepared from 10%-formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded materials obtained from autopsied cases. Enteric neurons were stained using an anti-peripherin antibody. Immunostaining of phosphorylated α-synuclein was also performed. Areas of the cytoplasm and nucleus that showed nucleoli were measured using computer software. Both areas of myenteric neurons were significantly smaller in MSA cases (n = 3) than in control subjects (n = 3) (P < 0.0001); however, no deposits of phosphorylated α-synuclein were observed. These findings suggest that myenteric neurons in MSA are affected independent of α-synuclein accumulation.

Keywords: Enteric neuron; Multiple system atrophy; Neurodegeneration; α-Synuclein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cell Size
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestine, Small / chemistry
  • Intestine, Small / innervation*
  • Male
  • Multiple System Atrophy / pathology*
  • Myenteric Plexus / pathology*
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Peripherins / analysis
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Submucous Plexus / pathology*
  • alpha-Synuclein / analysis
  • alpha-Synuclein / chemistry

Substances

  • PRPH protein, human
  • Peripherins
  • alpha-Synuclein