STUDIES IN MYOCLONUS EPILEPSY III. THE EFFECTS OF AMYLOLYTIC ENZYMES ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF LAFORA BODIES

Abstract

Sections containing Lafora bodies were exposed to the action of amylolytic enzymes. These enzymes split the glucose linkages of glucose polymers (polyglucosans). The following ultrastructural changes were observed: (a) the fibrils of Lafora bodies were greatly reduced in number; (b) the staining intensity of the fibrils was reduced; (c) the amorphous densities were no longer seen. The evidence suggests that the fibrils and amorphous densities of Lafora bodies are both polyglucosan in nature. Lafora bodies resemble corpora amylacea in this respect.