[Trace elements in spinocerebellar degeneration]

Trace elements might be related with the pathogenesis of spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD). Mercury produce cerebellar ataxia. However, it was reported that the content of mercury in the hair of patients with SCD was normal. Therefore, mercury may not be directly related with SCD. It was reported that the content of copper in the hair might be high in patients with Friedreich's disease, or low in patients with late cortical cerebellar atrophy. The normal content of zinc in the hair was reported in patients with SCD. The low content of manganese in the hair was suggested in patients with SCD. Usually Parkinsonism was observed in manganese intoxication in man. Lead may produce cerebellar ataxia. These trace elements might cause SCD. However, the relation is still obscure. The further study should be conducted.