Hirano body

Hirano body is a type of intracellular inclusion found in the neurons of the brain. They are named after Dr. Asao Hirano, who first described them in 1965. Hirano bodies are most commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, but they can also be found in other neurodegenerative diseases and in normal aging.

Structure and Composition

Hirano bodies are rod-shaped structures that are typically 10-30 micrometers in length. They are composed of densely packed parallel arrays of 8-10 nm filaments. These filaments are primarily composed of actin, a protein that is important for cell structure and movement. Other proteins, such as myosin, tropomyosin, and caldesmon, are also found in Hirano bodies.

Pathology

The exact role of Hirano bodies in disease is not well understood. They are most commonly found in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. However, they can also be found in other areas of the brain and in other diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Some studies have suggested that Hirano bodies may be involved in the disruption of normal cell processes, leading to cell death. However, other studies have suggested that they may be a protective response to disease or injury.

Research

Research into Hirano bodies is ongoing. Current research is focused on understanding the exact composition of Hirano bodies, how they are formed, and what role they play in disease. This research may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

See also

• Alzheimer's disease
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Actin
• Hippocampus
• Cerebral cortex

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