Which type of protein aggregation is silver-stained in Pick's disease?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

In Pick's disease, the correct answer relates to the presence of Pick bodies, which are intraneuronal aggregates made up primarily of tau protein. These aggregates are characteristic of the disease and can be visualized using special histological staining techniques, including silver staining. Silver stains highlight the filamentous structures in the brain tissues affected by Pick's disease, making these inclusions prominent under microscopic examination.

Pick bodies contribute to the pathology of frontotemporal dementia, which is the clinical manifestation of Pick's disease. The disease primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to progressive changes in behavior, personality, and language.

While other types of protein aggregation exist, such as neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease or Lewy bodies typical of Parkinson's disease, these do not pertain to Pick's disease. Each of these aggregates corresponds with distinct pathologies and staining characteristics, which helps differentiate the various forms of neurodegenerative conditions.

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