VASCULAR MINERALIZATION IN THE MONKEY BRAIN

Mineralization of various degrees was found in the brains of 79 (59%) of 134 cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). There was no age depe ndency in the incidence or severity, nor were there any abnormalities in growth, weight gain, or neurologic signs, although a slight sex dif ference was observed. The lesions, which were basophilic and intensely positive for periodic acid-Schiff or von Kossa stain, occurred in the vascular walls of the globus pallidus in two types: globoid bodies wi th prominent concentric lamellar structures in and around the arteriol ar and venular wall (type A) and fine granules in the media of small o r medium-sized arteries (type B). Electron microscopic examination rev ealed dense deposits in the degenerated media of small or medium-sized arteries or the thickened walls of the arterioles. X-ray microanalysi s demonstrated the presence of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnes ium, and aluminum.