Quantitative characterization of the cellular elements of human cerebellar nuclei at different ages.

A quantitative assessment of the cellular elements present in the nuclei of the human cerebellum was performed using subjects aged 22-90 years. A series of horizontal sections of cerebellar nuclei was studied. stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The numbers of neurons and gliocytes per unit area were measured on sections, with subsequent calculation of their ratios (the glial index). These experiments showed that aging is associated with decreases in the content of neurons and increases in the content of gliocytes. The extent of these changes increases as ontogenesis proceeds.