A microprobe analysis of Gomori-positive glial cells in the rat arcuate nucleus.

Astrocytes and microglial cells in the arcuate nucleus of the rat hypothalamus contain lipofuscin-like granules which react with chrome alum gallocyanin and exhibit endogenous peroxidase activity. These granules were assessed with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and compared to neuronal dense bodies and glial cytoplasm. The granules are distinguished by a consistent content of sulphur and a frequent presence of calcium.

Incorporation of 3H-fucose into nerve and glial cells: assessment by electron microscopic autoradiography.

Incorporation of 3H-fucose into hypothalamic tissue of rats was studied between ten minutes and seven days after intraventricular injection. In EM autoradiographs grain densities over perikarya of neurons, astro-, and oligodendroglia, and neuropil were evaluated. Grain densities were consistently higher over both types of glial cells as compared to neurons.

[Electrophoretic separation and properties of acid phosphatase isoenzymes from rat brain (author's transl)].

Following agar gel electrophoresis of the 20 000 X g supernatant of rat brain homogenate a single band with acid phosphatase activity could be visualized by means of azo dye techniques. By adding Triton X-100 to the homogenate, a second band with enzymatic activity was demonstrable. A third isoenzyme could be identified in the presence of zinc ions.

Glycoprotein metabolism in the hypothalamus of rat: significance of glial cells.

Incorporation of 3H-fucose injected into the CSF was studied in hypothalamus and hypophysis of rats by biochemical and autoradiographic techniques. The concentration of radioactivity was determined as a function of time from 10 minutes to 28 days in the acid soluble and the acid precipitable fraction of homogenates. The incorporated activity was localized by light microscopic autoradiography in several regions of the hypothalamus.