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Studying Pre-formed Fibril Induced α-Synuclein Accumulation in Primary Embryonic Mouse Midbrain Dopamine Neurons
Published on: August 16, 2020
Do alpha-synuclein aggregates in autonomic plexuses predate Lewy body disorders?: a cohort study
A Minguez-Castellanos1, C E Chamorro, F Escamilla-Sevilla
1Departments of Neurology, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain. aminguezc@meditex.es
Neurology
|June 6, 2007
Summary
Alpha-synuclein (AS) aggregates were found in 9% of abdominopelvic autonomic plexuses. These findings may indicate an early, presymptomatic phase of Lewy body disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Alpha-synuclein (AS) aggregates are implicated in Lewy body disorders.
- The presence of AS in peripheral autonomic neurons is not well-established in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AS aggregates in abdominopelvic autonomic plexuses.
- To evaluate the association between AS aggregates and subsequent neurologic dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Examined surgical specimens from 100 patients (ages 44-84) using anti-AS immunostaining.
- Conducted yearly neurologic assessments for 16 patients (6 AS-positive, 10 AS-negative).
Main Results:
- AS aggregates found in 9% of specimens, more common in vesicoprostatic (26%) than digestive (4%) plexuses.
- No new diagnoses of Parkinson disease, dementia, or autonomic failure at 16 months.
- AS-positive patients showed altered blood pressure recovery, reduced cardiac uptake, and lower striatal uptake.
Conclusions:
- The presence of AS aggregates in peripheral autonomic neurons may signify an early presymptomatic stage of Lewy body disorders.
- This suggests a potential biomarker for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
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