Corpus amylaceum (polyglucosan body) in the peripheral olfactory system.

Peripheral part of the olfactory system (bulb and tract) was investigated for the occurrence of corpus amylaceum (CA) (polyglucosan body) in 296 (281 pathological and 15 control cases) autopsied human brains. No significant differences were found in the incidence between the various age groups above 40 years or between different disease groups and the controls. The predominance of CA in the olfactory tract and its loose correlation with age at this localization over 40 years of age could be resulted by various factors, including the extremely rich astrocytic and capillary network in the intermediate zone, and the proximity of the olfactory tract to the external environment, which may result in the protective role of CA. The role of stress was proved by the HSP-60 positivity of CA.