Pick body
Spherical, argyrophilic cytoplasmic inclusion containing tau protein, characteristic of Pick's disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Full Definition
A pathognomonic intraneuronal cytoplasmic inclusion body that defines Pick's disease, a specific form of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. These round to oval structures are composed primarily of 3-repeat tau protein in a hyperphosphorylated state and appear as well-demarcated, eosinophilic inclusions that displace the nucleus to the cell periphery. Pick bodies are argyrophilic (silver-loving) and show strong tau immunoreactivity but are typically negative for other protein markers. They are most commonly found in pyramidal neurons of the frontotemporal cortex, particularly in layers II-III, and in dentate granule cells of the hippocampus. The presence of Pick bodies, combined with characteristic neuronal loss and gliosis, establishes the diagnosis of Pick's disease. Editorial precision requires distinguishing Pick bodies from other tau-positive inclusions and proper capitalization of the eponymous term.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize as eponymous term; specify tau isoform when relevant to discussion.
In Context
- "Pick bodies were identified in 23% of neurons within the affected frontal cortex." — Diagnostic report
- "The characteristic Pick bodies showed intense 3R-tau immunoreactivity with minimal 4R-tau staining." — Research findings