CONCENTRIC LAMELLAR BODIES IN AXON TERMINALS AND PRETERMINAL AXONS OFCEREBELLAR PURKINJE-CELLS IN GROGGY MUTANT RAT - ACID-PHOSPHATASE CYTOCHEMISTRY

The process of formation and degeneration of concentric lamellar bodie s (CLBs) in axon terminals and preterminal axons of Purkinje cells wer e examined by acid phosphatase (ACPase) cytochemistry. In myelinated a xons, tubular structures measuring 20-50nm in diameter contained ACPas e reaction products. In altered axon terminals and preterminal axons o f Purkinje cells, elongated saccular structures contained numerous rea ction products. These saccular structures were arranged concentrically and enclosed cytoplasmic organelles. In the CLBs displaying degenerat ive profiles, ACPase reaction products were dispersed in the degenerat ing materials. The nature of the tubular structures and their roles in the transport of ACPase and the formation of CLBs are discussed.