Neuropathology — MCQs

Q: Negri bodies are primarily found in which of the following cell types?

Pyramidal neurons. ***Pyramidal neurons*** - **Negri bodies** are pathognomonic eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions found in neurons infected with the **rabies virus** [1]. - They are **most consistently and classically** found in the **pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus (Ammon's horn)**, making this the **primary diagnostic site** [1]. - While also found in cerebellar Purkinje cells, **hippocampal pyramidal neurons** are the **gold standard location** for identifying Negri bodies in rabies diagnosis [1]. *Oligodendrocytes* - These are **glial cells** responsible for producing the **myelin sheath** in the central nervous system. - **Negri bodies** occur specifically in **neurons**, not glial cells, so they are not found in oligodendrocytes [1]. *Purkinje cells* - **Purkinje cells** are large neurons in the **cerebellar cortex** [1]. - **Negri bodies can be found** in Purkinje cells as a **secondary site** [1]. - However, they are **less consistently present** compared to hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which remain the **primary and most reliable diagnostic location**. *Microglial cells* - **Microglial cells** are the resident **immune cells** of the CNS, acting as phagocytes. - They are **glial cells**, not neurons, and do not harbor **Negri bodies**, which form only within infected neurons [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1279-1280.

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