Polyglucosan bodies in the digestive tract of the aged dog.

In our recent studies on aging phenomena in animals, polyglucosan bodies (PGB) were found within the smooth muscle in the digestive tract of aged dogs without neurologic signs. PGB were basophilic, round, or oval bodies which appeared to have a homogeneous or concentric shape. Their histochemical properties were characterized by the presence of glucose polymers (polyglucosan). Electron microscopy revealed that PGB were composed mainly of irregularly clustered, short branching filaments measuring about 90 A in width. PGB were histochemically and ultrastructurally identical to the previously reported Lafora-like bodies in the CNS of aged dogs. PGB were found in all aged dogs and were disseminated throughout the digestive tract, especially in the cecum.