Topographic variabilities of immunoreactivity to subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase and lectin binding in late infantile neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis

A subset of lipophilic neurons in the brain tissue of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) cases shows in addition to finely granular storage lipopigment, larger spheroidal lysosomal inclusions, so called protein-type myoclonus bodies. Their incidence, significance, and biochemical composition have not been determined. To further characterize this type of lysosomal storage material, immunocytochemistry to subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase at the light and electron microscopy level, electron microscopy, and lectin histochemistry were applied. The majority of spheroidal inclusions were nonreactive to subunit c, the main protein component of the storage material in LINCL. These inclusions also showed no binding sites for the eight lectins examined, although six of the lectins used labeled finely granular storage material. According to electron and immunoelectron microscopy, spheroidal inclusions were composed of more homogeneous and more densely arranged material than typical curvilinear profiles, with shorter membranous profiles and sometimes filamentous structures. The dissimilarities disclosed between finely granular lipopigment with curvilinear profiles and spheroidal inclusions in LINCL brain tissue suggest that either protein(s) other than subunit c are present in spheroidal inclusions, or subunit c in these sites undergoes conformational or proteolytic changes. These changes require further biochemical evaluations. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.