No abstract

Using the scanning electron probe X-ray microanalysis technique, calcium distribution in the spinal cord of the calcium-magnesium-deficient rat was studied. Calcium accumulations were observed within and around the perikaryon of certain unspecified motoneurons in the spinal cord.

After severe dietary calcium-magnesium deficiency in rats, succinic dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity of gastrocnemius muscle showed a neurogenic atrophy. This alteration was associated with a high concentration of calcium in the spinal cord.

Nonspecific myofibrillar changes such as streaming of the Z-line, formation of rod-like structures, satellitosis, proliferation of sarcolemmal nuclei and papillary projection of the sarcolemma were recognized as a disorganization of the muscle itself. In addition, fine structural pathology in ALS specimens showed characteristically a pig-tail formation - 'Zopfformation' - which has been considered to have a neurogenic origin.