Rosenthal fiber

Rosenthal fiber is a type of eosinophilic, rod-shaped inclusion found in astrocytes. They are named after the German pathologist Karl Rosenthal, who first described them in 1898. Rosenthal fibers are characteristic of several neurological disorders, including Alexander disease, pilocytic astrocytoma, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Structure and Composition

Rosenthal fibers are composed of several proteins, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), and alphaB-crystallin. They are typically found in the cytoplasm of astrocytes, and are often associated with areas of gliosis or scarring in the brain.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Rosenthal fibers is a diagnostic feature of several neurological disorders. In Alexander disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting the white matter of the brain, Rosenthal fibers are found throughout the brain and spinal cord. In pilocytic astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor, Rosenthal fibers are often found in the tumor tissue. In progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a viral infection of the brain, Rosenthal fibers may be found in areas of brain damage.

Research Directions

Research is ongoing to understand the role of Rosenthal fibers in disease. Some studies suggest that the accumulation of Rosenthal fibers may contribute to the pathology of diseases like Alexander disease by disrupting normal astrocyte function. Other research is focused on understanding how Rosenthal fibers are formed, and whether they can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

See Also

• Alexander disease
• Pilocytic astrocytoma
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• Astrocyte
• Glial fibrillary acidic protein
• Heat shock protein 27
• AlphaB-crystallin

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