To explore the effect of Shengqitang on the ultrastructure changes of the neurons in the mammillary body area in aged(15 month)mice.Methods:morphocy tologic in the mammillary body area were observed by electron microscopy.Results:The contents of lipofuscin in the neurons of the region of the experiment group was reduced as compared with that of the old group.In the Shengqitang treatment group,the normal membrane and the structure of the mitochondrion were clearly seen in the hippocampus neuron in the mice;the ridges of the mitochondrion could clearly be seen,with rich rough endoplasmic reticula and ribosomes,and a large amount of clear synaptic vesicles could be seen also.The aged control showed depolymerization of ribosome,accumulation of lipid droplet and lipofuscin in cytoplasm,and condensation of chromatin.In the meantime,the average density of the neurons in the mammillary body area became shrunk with the aging under the electron microscopy,and the decrease in the number of ribosome and rough endoplasmic reticula was in the same condition as well.Obviously increased average volume of the compensatory mechanism may play an important role in the mitochondrion degeneration with aging.Conclusion:Aging can casue microstructure abnormalities of the mammillary body in mice and Shengqitang prevent this abnormal structure formation.
