Increased ROS-Dependent Fission of Mitochondria Causes Abnormal Morphology of the Cell Powerhouses in a Murine Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Figure 2

Smaller and irregularly shaped mitochondria of wobbler mice motor neurons at p40. Transmission electron microscopy of cervical spinal cord of wild-type and wobbler mice at p40. (a) Overview images of motor neurons (red border) and magnified single mitochondria (red arrowheads), indicating an altered mitochondrial morphology and degeneration of crista structure in wobbler mice. (b) Measurement of mitochondria with ImageJ revealed a significant decrease in area, roundness, circularity, and perimeter combined with a significantly increased aspect ratio in wobbler mice. No differences in Feret’s diameter could be detected. Counting mitochondria demonstrated an increase of mitochondrial number per motoneuron. In summary, smaller, irregularly shaped, and elongated mitochondria are present in wobbler motor neurons at p40. Data are presented as the . For significance testing, Student’s -test was performed. Significant differences are indicated by , , and . (left), 500 nm (middle), and 200 nm (right). ; -1092 mitochondria per genotype.

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