DENSE MICROSPHERES IN THE HUMAN HIPPOCAMPUS

Dense microspheres (DMS) are structures found within neuronal processe s of the adult human brain. Although best known as a feature of the ne ocortex, they are also found in the hippocampal formation. We describe a characteristic pattern of DMS distribution in the human hippocampus . The functional significance of this pattern is unknown. but it casts doubt on the proposed relationship of DMS to senile plaques.We also p resent evidence that DMS are composed of protein, but without a signif icant component of carbohydrate or neutral glycoprotein.