Studies on neuromelanin

THE BROWN-BLACK intracytoplasmic granules found in central nervous system neurons were termed “neuromeIanin”l~2 to emphasize that central nervous tissue melanin has special histochemical properties which may distinguish it within the family of human melanins. Generally, it has been considered to be limited in its brainstem distribution to 3 or 4 major, but isolated, nuclei. This pigment has prompted surprisingly little interest in spite of controversial reports in the literature of its decrease in the Parkinson ~yndromes3-~~ and increase in schizophrenia.24 The present report discusses the large accumulation of melanin which is present in the brainstem. It is the first of a series of investigations into the histology and embryology of cerebral melanin. By further delineating normal anatomy, it is hoped that a base line will be provided to better evaluate pathological alterations and normal function.

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