Neuritic plaque-like structures in the rat cerebellum following prolonged alcohol consumpotion

Summary Primitive neuritic plaques were observed in the inner third of the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex of rats following chronic alcohol consumption. Neurites were indentified as dystrophic parallel fiber bouton. Amyloid material dispersed among neurites was not clearly recognized, dystrophic some fibrils were frequently seen among them. Astrocytic processes were noted in the periphery of the plaque. Microglial reaction, however, was non-existent. The rarity of these lesions in the rat cerebellum and their probable relation to long periods of alcohol consumption is discussed.This work was granted by I.N.I.C., project MbPl, and Stiftung Volkswagenwerk, project I/37424.