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Questions and Answers
In the context of the provided information, what is the primary effect of a decrease in dopamine levels on the indirect pathway in the striatum?
In the context of the provided information, what is the primary effect of a decrease in dopamine levels on the indirect pathway in the striatum?
Which of the following statements about the use of neuroleptics/antipsychotics in Huntington's Disease is accurate?
Which of the following statements about the use of neuroleptics/antipsychotics in Huntington's Disease is accurate?
Which of the following medications are commonly used to manage late-stage Huntington's symptoms associated with bradykinesia and rigidity?
Which of the following medications are commonly used to manage late-stage Huntington's symptoms associated with bradykinesia and rigidity?
How does Olanzapine/Quetiapine work to manage Huntington's symptoms?
How does Olanzapine/Quetiapine work to manage Huntington's symptoms?
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What is a distinguishing feature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) compared to Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease?
What is a distinguishing feature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) compared to Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease?
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Which of the following medications is unique in its ability to enhance dopamine release and inhibit glutamatergic effects?
Which of the following medications is unique in its ability to enhance dopamine release and inhibit glutamatergic effects?
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What is the primary mechanism by which MAO-B inhibitors, such as Selegiline and Rasagiline, improve symptoms in Parkinson's Disease?
What is the primary mechanism by which MAO-B inhibitors, such as Selegiline and Rasagiline, improve symptoms in Parkinson's Disease?
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Which of the following factors, when present, may offer potential protection against the development or severity of Parkinson's Disease?
Which of the following factors, when present, may offer potential protection against the development or severity of Parkinson's Disease?
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What is the primary mechanism of action for caffeine in its potential role against Parkinson's Disease?
What is the primary mechanism of action for caffeine in its potential role against Parkinson's Disease?
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What is the genetic basis of Huntington's Disease?
What is the genetic basis of Huntington's Disease?
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How does the number of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the HTT gene relate to the severity of Huntington's Disease?
How does the number of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the HTT gene relate to the severity of Huntington's Disease?
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Which of the following accurately describes the inheritance pattern of Huntington's Disease?
Which of the following accurately describes the inheritance pattern of Huntington's Disease?
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Why is it difficult to determine if nicotine alone has a protective effect against Parkinson's Disease based on clinical trials?
Why is it difficult to determine if nicotine alone has a protective effect against Parkinson's Disease based on clinical trials?
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Which of the following is NOT a proposed mechanism of ALS development?
Which of the following is NOT a proposed mechanism of ALS development?
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What is the primary role of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in the context of ALS?
What is the primary role of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in the context of ALS?
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What is the main consequence of increased NMDA receptor binding in ALS?
What is the main consequence of increased NMDA receptor binding in ALS?
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How does mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to axonal transport dysfunction in ALS?
How does mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to axonal transport dysfunction in ALS?
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How do inactivating mutations in the SOD1 gene contribute to ALS?
How do inactivating mutations in the SOD1 gene contribute to ALS?
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How can microglial cell activation contribute to ALS pathology?
How can microglial cell activation contribute to ALS pathology?
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What is the main evidence suggesting that ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons?
What is the main evidence suggesting that ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons?
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Choose the most appropriate term to describe the prevalence of ALS in the general population.
Choose the most appropriate term to describe the prevalence of ALS in the general population.
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What is the mechanism of action of riluzole in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
What is the mechanism of action of riluzole in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the mechanism of tetrabenazine in managing Huntington's chorea?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the mechanism of tetrabenazine in managing Huntington's chorea?
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Which of the following is a symptom characteristic of upper motor neuron involvement in ALS?
Which of the following is a symptom characteristic of upper motor neuron involvement in ALS?
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What is the primary consequence of the disruption of striatal neurons projecting to the frontal cortex in Huntington's disease?
What is the primary consequence of the disruption of striatal neurons projecting to the frontal cortex in Huntington's disease?
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What is the primary mechanism of action of edaravone in ALS?
What is the primary mechanism of action of edaravone in ALS?
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What is the primary underlying cause of muscle atrophy in ALS?
What is the primary underlying cause of muscle atrophy in ALS?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the early phases of Huntington's disease?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the early phases of Huntington's disease?
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Which drug is ONLY used for SOD1-associated ALS?
Which drug is ONLY used for SOD1-associated ALS?
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What is the primary mechanism by which the indirect pathway contributes to the hyperkinetic phenotypes of Huntington's disease?
What is the primary mechanism by which the indirect pathway contributes to the hyperkinetic phenotypes of Huntington's disease?
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What is the most frequent cause of death in patients with ALS?
What is the most frequent cause of death in patients with ALS?
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What is the primary pathological change observed in the striatum during the early phases of Huntington's disease?
What is the primary pathological change observed in the striatum during the early phases of Huntington's disease?
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Which of the following best describes the role of the subthalamic nucleus in the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease?
Which of the following best describes the role of the subthalamic nucleus in the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease?
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What is a characteristic symptom of late-stage ALS?
What is a characteristic symptom of late-stage ALS?
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What is the benefit of combining riluzole and edaravone in the treatment of ALS?
What is the benefit of combining riluzole and edaravone in the treatment of ALS?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of the late phases of Huntington's disease?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the late phases of Huntington's disease?
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Which of the following describes the role of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in regulating thalamic activity?
Which of the following describes the role of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in regulating thalamic activity?
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Which of these is a cause of demyelination that can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy?
Which of these is a cause of demyelination that can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy?
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Which of these causes of demyelination is known to primarily affect the peripheral nervous system?
Which of these causes of demyelination is known to primarily affect the peripheral nervous system?
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Which of these diseases causes demyelination by directly targeting gangliosides in myelin?
Which of these diseases causes demyelination by directly targeting gangliosides in myelin?
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Which viral infection is most commonly associated with the development of retinitis-associated blindness?
Which viral infection is most commonly associated with the development of retinitis-associated blindness?
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Which of these is a possible cause of demyelination in the brain stem nuclei, resulting in autonomic instability?
Which of these is a possible cause of demyelination in the brain stem nuclei, resulting in autonomic instability?
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Which demyelinating disease is characterized by the formation of oligoclonal IgG?
Which demyelinating disease is characterized by the formation of oligoclonal IgG?
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Which factor contributes to demyelination by causing increased glutamate levels and decreased GABA conversion?
Which factor contributes to demyelination by causing increased glutamate levels and decreased GABA conversion?
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Which of these is NOT a cause of demyelination discussed in the content?
Which of these is NOT a cause of demyelination discussed in the content?
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Which of these is a potential consequence of demyelination?
Which of these is a potential consequence of demyelination?
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Which of these describes the mechanism by which demyelination affects nerve impulse transmission?
Which of these describes the mechanism by which demyelination affects nerve impulse transmission?
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Which of the following statements regarding the role of calcium in neurotransmitter release is TRUE?
Which of the following statements regarding the role of calcium in neurotransmitter release is TRUE?
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What is the primary protein involved in the formation of myelin?
What is the primary protein involved in the formation of myelin?
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Which of these is NOT a structural component of the synaptic cleft?
Which of these is NOT a structural component of the synaptic cleft?
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Which type of connection between neurons is considered the strongest?
Which type of connection between neurons is considered the strongest?
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Which of these describes the process of impaired connectivity among neurons?
Which of these describes the process of impaired connectivity among neurons?
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Which of these is an example of a proteolytic enzyme found in the synaptic cleft?
Which of these is an example of a proteolytic enzyme found in the synaptic cleft?
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Flashcards
MAOI
MAOI
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors that increase dopamine levels by downregulating MAO-B.
Selegiline
Selegiline
A MAO-B inhibitor that helps increase dopamine levels.
Rasagiline
Rasagiline
Another MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson's to boost dopamine.
Amantadine
Amantadine
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Nicotine's role in PD
Nicotine's role in PD
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Caffeine's mechanism
Caffeine's mechanism
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CAG repeats in Huntington's
CAG repeats in Huntington's
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Inheritance pattern of Huntington’s Disease
Inheritance pattern of Huntington’s Disease
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Indirect Pathway
Indirect Pathway
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Hyperkinetic Phenotypes
Hyperkinetic Phenotypes
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Chorea
Chorea
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Athetosis
Athetosis
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Direct Pathway
Direct Pathway
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Non-Motor Manifestations
Non-Motor Manifestations
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Tetrabenazine
Tetrabenazine
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Neuropsychiatric Deficits
Neuropsychiatric Deficits
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D2 Binding Decrease
D2 Binding Decrease
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Indirect Pathway Activity
Indirect Pathway Activity
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GABA Release Increase
GABA Release Increase
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Olanzapine/Quetiapine
Olanzapine/Quetiapine
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
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Myelin Sheath
Myelin Sheath
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Saltatory Conduction
Saltatory Conduction
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Demyelination
Demyelination
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Ischemic Damage
Ischemic Damage
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Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
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Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
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Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis
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Pre-synaptic Neuron
Pre-synaptic Neuron
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Synaptic Cleft
Synaptic Cleft
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Post-synaptic Neuron
Post-synaptic Neuron
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Neurotransmitter Release
Neurotransmitter Release
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Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
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Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
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Impaired Neurotransmitter Transmission
Impaired Neurotransmitter Transmission
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Epidemiology of ALS
Epidemiology of ALS
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Risk Factors for ALS
Risk Factors for ALS
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Glutamate Toxicity
Glutamate Toxicity
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Mitochondrial Dysfunction in ALS
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in ALS
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Role of SOD1
Role of SOD1
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Axonal Transport Dysfunction
Axonal Transport Dysfunction
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Microglial Cell Activation
Microglial Cell Activation
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Clinical Phenotype of ALS
Clinical Phenotype of ALS
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Upper Motor Neuron Symptoms
Upper Motor Neuron Symptoms
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Lower Motor Neuron Symptoms
Lower Motor Neuron Symptoms
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Slurred Speech Symptoms
Slurred Speech Symptoms
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Respiratory Failure as Cause of Death
Respiratory Failure as Cause of Death
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Riluzole
Riluzole
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Mechanism of Riluzole
Mechanism of Riluzole
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Edaravone
Edaravone
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Tofersen
Tofersen
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Study Notes
Neuro-Pathology I: Neurodegenerative Disorders
- This presentation covers neurodegenerative disorders, which involve the loss of functional neurons.
- Neurodegenerative disorders result in a qualitative and/or quantitative loss of functional neurons throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- This loss is characterized by demyelination, impairment of neurotransmitter transmission, impairment of inter-neuronal connections, and chronic imbalances in electrolyte concentrations.
Demyelination of Neurons
- Myelin sheaths are glycolipid and protein-based structures surrounding axons.
- Myelin acts as an insulator, regulating the transmission of charge.
- Demyelination disrupts the transmission of electrical information.
- Demyelination leads to decreased activation of structures involved in myelinated neuron function.
- Various factors can lead to demyelination, including infectious agents, vascular events, and inflammatory/autoimmune conditions.
Causes of Demyelination
- Vascular: Ischemic damage from vascular events.
- Infectious: Viral (HIV/AIDS, JC Virus, Herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr Virus), bacterial, and parasitic
- Inflammatory/Autoimmune: Conditions like Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis.
- Other factors include metabolic/vitamin deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12 deficiency, Diabetes Mellitus), illicit drugs/alcohol (Chronic alcohol consumption, Heroin, Opioids), and pharmacologic agents (Isoniazid, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Cisplatin).
Impaired Neurotransmitter Transmission
- Neurotransmitter release is highly dependent on calcium.
- Vesicular docking and release of neurotransmitters occur through voltage-gated calcium channels.
- The synaptic cleft is the space between pre- and post-synaptic neurons, containing enzymes that regulate neurotransmitter activity (e.g., acetylcholinesterase).
- Post-synaptic neurons contain receptors for the neurotransmitter.
- Aberrations in any of these components (pre-synaptic neuron, synaptic cleft, post-synaptic neuron/structure) can disrupt neurotransmitter transmission.
Impairment of Inter-Neuronal Connections
- Axodendritic, axosomatic, and axoaxonic connections are important for neuronal communication.
- Axosomatic connections are the strongest.
- Impairment of these connections can lead to neurodegenerative disease.
Failure of Homeostatic Feedback Mechanisms
- Negative feedback mechanisms are crucial for regulating excessive stimulation within the CNS and PNS.
- These mechanisms are primarily located in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
- Failure of these mechanisms can have significant consequences throughout the CNS and PNS.
- Some cortical/subcortical structures involved in regulating these functions include the Basal Ganglia, Substantia Nigra, Limbic Cortex.
Important Neurodegenerative Diseases to Focus On
- Parkinson's Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Parkinson's Disease (General)
- A neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms.
- Epidemiology: Mean age of diagnosis is 70, slightly higher prevalence among Hispanic males.
- Genetic and epigenetic contributors.
- Environmental factors may play a role, including exposure to air pollution, pesticides, and use of chemicals. There are several correlations, but no single cause.
- Anatomy of the Basal Ganglia is vital to understanding the pathology and management. The basal ganglia comprises several key components and interact with each other via specific neurotransmitters.
Parkinson's Disease Pathophysiology
- Characterized by the destruction of the substantia nigra pars compacta.
- This affects both the direct and indirect pathways.
- Lewy Bodies, caused by abnormal protein deposition (alpha-synuclein), are associated with the progression of the disease, especially with dementia in later stages.
Parkinson's Disease Clinical Phenotypes
- Motor Findings: Bradykinesia, resting tremors, and gait abnormalities typically manifest first.
- Non-Motor Findings: masked facial expression, hypophonia, akathisia, anxiety, and memory loss, often emerge in later stages.
Parkinson's Disease Management
- Pharmacotherapy: Levodopa/Carbidopa (used as the 'gold standard'), Dopaminergic Agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole-non-ergot, Bromocriptine-ergot), MAO-B inhibitors (Selegiline, Rasagiline), Amantadine.
- Protective Factors: Nicotine (smoking), caffeine (as an Adenosine A2A antagonist).
Huntington's Disease (General)
- A progressive neurodegenerative disease with strong hereditary components.
- Autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
- Characterized by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion on chromosome 4 (HTT gene), leading to an abnormal Huntingtin protein.
- The number of CAG repeats correlates with earlier onset and increased severity of the disease.
Huntington's Disease Pathophysiology
- Accumulation of abnormal, expanded huntingtin protein leads to:
- Disruption of neuronal proteins (including BDNF).
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction
- Axonal transport disruption
- Lysosomal dysfunction
- Increased glutamate toxicity
Huntington's Disease Management
- Pharmacotherapy: Tetrabenazine (decreases dopamine effects).
- Genetic Counseling and support are essential due to the hereditary nature of this disease.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (General)
- A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons.
- ALS typically results in gradual loss of muscle control, paralysis, and in most cases, death.
- Very little exactly known regarding the pathophysiological mechanism, though several models have been proposed.
- Sporadic (70 to 95% of cases) and less common familial causes, correlated with genetics, environmental factors (construction jobs, EMF exposure), and less frequently military service.
ALS Pathophysiology
- Possible mechanisms include glutamate toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, axonal transport issues, and hyperactivation of microglial cells.
- The dysfunction of SOD1 protein is potentially a primary drive in disease development leading to oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and neuron loss.
ALS Management
- Riluzole, which acts on glutamate transmission to provide some clinical benefit, including delaying the disease progression by up to five-six months.
- Edaravone acts as a free radical scavenger to reduce oxidative damage to neurons; often used in conjunction with Riluzole.
- Tofersen (used in certain instances, particularly with SOD1 mutation.
Overall Summary of Neurodegenerative Disorders
- These disorders broadly share common features of progressive neuronal loss and dysfunction leading to specific clinical presentations.
- The presentations also have distinct underlying causal and pathophysiological factors, which influence their management.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts in neuroscience related to movement disorders such as Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It explores the effects of neurotransmitters, the use of antipsychotics, and the mechanisms of various medications. Test your knowledge on the distinctions and treatment options for these conditions.