Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Lewy bodies (LBs), characterized by intraneuronal inclusions of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein, are the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Because this protein is phosphorylated at serine-129 in 90% of LBs, its phosphorylation is considered a crucial pathogenic event in LB formation and disease development. Here, we present a unique brain autopsy case of a DLB patient with widespread LBs that were negative for phosphorylated-α-syn, challenging traditional diagnostic criteria.

Brain banking in the United States and Europe: Importance, challenges, and future trends.

In recent years, brain banks have become valuable resources for examining the molecular underpinnings of various neurological and psychological disorders including Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease. However, the availability of brain tissue has significantly declined. Proper collection, preparation, and preservation of postmortem autopsy tissue are essential for optimal downstream brain tissue distribution and experimentation.