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Fine structural and cytochemical observations on cytoplasmic nucleoluslike bodies in nerve cells of rat medulla oblongata

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Summary

A cytoplasmic inclusion comparable to nucleoluslike bodies in other neurons has been observed in cells of the nucleus dorsalis vagi lateralis of the rat medulla oblongata. This body which lacks a limiting membrane is composed of filaments 20 to 70 Å thick and granules 60 to 150 Å in diameter. The filamentous elements attach to the surrounding ribosomes. The cytoplasmic bodies are either large and fairly compact or small with the appearance of aggregated dense flecks. Furthermore a double-membrane bounded body near the nucleus, and sporadic accumulations of filaments and granules similar to those composing the nucleoluslike, bodies are also reported. Enzyme digestion tests reveal that nucleoluslike bodies contain mainly protein and lack detectable ribonucleic acid. The possible origin of these bodies is discussed.

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The author is indebted to Prof. H. Yamada and Associate Prof. K. Kohno for their guidance and valuable advice in this study.

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Kishi, K. Fine structural and cytochemical observations on cytoplasmic nucleoluslike bodies in nerve cells of rat medulla oblongata. Z.Zellforsch 132, 523–532 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306639

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306639

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