Lipofuscin Granules in Purkinje Cells after Long‐Term Alcohol Consumption in Rats

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Abstract
The increased number of lipofuscin granules in Purkinje cells from chronic alcohol-fed rats was studied by morphometric methods. These granules were autofluorescent and had marked acid phosphatase activity. No significant changes were found in the mean nuclear and perikaryon volumes when alcohol-fed and control groups were compared. The number of lipofuscin granules per unit surface area of cell cytoplasm (Na) and their volumetric density (Vv) were significantly greater in alcohol-fed groups. These values were also significantly different when the 6 and 12 mo. control groups were compared. Na and Vv values in alcohol-fed groups increased progressively. The increased number was probably related to disturbances in neuronal cell metabolism. The importance of age and malnutrition in the formation of these granules was also considered.