A Cross-sectional Study of Light Microscopic Changes in Purkinje Cells Across Cerebellar Phylogenetic Areas with Aging

Abstract Background: The phylogenetic areas of the cerebellum are archicerebellum, paleocerebellum, and neocerebellum, which differ in evolution and function. Studying age-related changes helps to differentiate those from similar changes occurring in various neuropathological conditions. Methodology: Tissues from the anterior lobe, posterior lobe, and flocculonodular lobe of 50 autopsy specimens of the cerebellum were processed. Slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and special stains such as Luxol fast blue and Cresyl violet and examined using photomicrograph equipment. Measurements and photographs were taken using MICAPS - Microview software (Version: x64,3.7.4866). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Results: In all phylogenetic areas, Purkinje cells were numerous at the crests of folia, their number decreased, and diameter increased with age. Conclusions: The study was done to delineate the histological variations in Purkinje cells of phylogenetic areas of the cerebellum at different ages. The changes in various neuropathological and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease need to be distinguished from normal age-related changes. This study may provide scope for functional studies and further studies on cerebellar histology.