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.