Glial Cells of Layers I to VI

Abstract

Astrocytes are easily identified by means of their lightly stained nuclei with a distinct outline which contrasts with the light cytoplasm (Fig. 3). The nuclei (9-12 × 5-9 μm) of the astrocytes within the upper regions of the cortex show homogeneously distributed chromatin, whereas those in the deeper layers frequently display small heterochromatin clumps. This is probably due to ischemic changes during surgical and fixation procedures (Jenkins et al. 1979). A different vulnerability of astrocytes within different layers should also be taken into account. In the vicinity of the nucleus. greenish-yellow-stained pigment inclusions occur.