RESUMO
In 10 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the CSF content of the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and cholecystokinin (CCK) as well as neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) was investigated. Compared with normal controls, no deviations were found in CCK or NCAM, while the values of VIP were significantly lower in ALS patients. This finding may reflect a loss of motor neurons.
Assuntos
Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Antígenos de Superfície/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Adulto , Idoso , Paralisia Bulbar Progressiva/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Moléculas de Adesão Celular , Colecistocinina/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Atrofia Muscular/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Peptídeo Intestinal Vasoativo/líquido cefalorraquidianoRESUMO
A case of sporadic ulcerative mutilating acropathy is described. Muscle biopsy showed signs of neurogenic atrophy. Motor nerve conduction velocity was slightly reduced. The muscles of the foot were completely unresponsive to electric stimulation of both femoral nerves. The content of free amino acids in serum and cerebrospinal fluid was determined by ion exchange chromatography, and compared with a control group. While in serum no significant changes were found, in CSF most amino acids showed great alterations, mainly consisting in an increase. It is suggested that the primary disturbance may be located in the spinal nerve roots.