ballooned neuron
Enlarged neurons with pale, swollen cytoplasm, characteristic of Pick's disease and related tauopathies.
Full Definition
Ballooned neurons are pathologically enlarged neurons characterized by swollen, pale cytoplasm with loss of normal Nissl substance and displacement of the nucleus to the cell periphery. These distinctive neurons are most characteristically seen in Pick's disease (frontotemporal dementia with Pick bodies) but can also occur in other tauopathies, corticobasal degeneration, and progressive supranuclear palsy. The ballooning results from cytoskeletal disruption and accumulation of neurofilaments and other proteins. Ballooned neurons are typically found in the superficial cortical layers and can be highlighted with neurofilament immunostaining, which reveals the accumulated intermediate filaments responsible for the cellular swelling.
Usage
Usage note: Associated with tauopathies; confirm with neurofilament staining.
In Context
- "Numerous ballooned neurons were scattered throughout the frontal cortex in this case of Pick's disease." — Frontotemporal dementia case
- "Neurofilament staining highlighted the characteristic ballooned neurons in layer III." — Immunohistochemical findings