Lysosomal storage disease in calves in northern Uruguay

Abstract

This paper describes the cellular and ultraestructural lesions found on a neurological illness observed in calves in the department of Paysandú. The animals were part of a cross experimental herd, composed by several breeds of Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Salers, Zebu and Red Poll calves. One calf was euthanatized and necropsied. Samples of two normal calves were included as controls. Histologically, there were varying degrees of vacuolization in the cytoplasm of numerous neurons in all studied organs. The ultraestructural study showed membrane-bound vacuoles filled with finely granulated material. Representative sections of medulla, cerebellum and spinal cord were submitted to lectinhistochemical procedures. The stored material reacted to the following lectines: Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A), Triticum vulgaris (WGA) and Succinylated-Triticum vulgaris (sWGA). The pattern of staining coincides with the data reported for a α-mannodisosis. Tne disorder, unrecognized until now in Uruguay, should be better characterized epidemiologically.