Autosomal dominant chorea-acanthocytosis with polyglutamine-containing neuronal inclusions

TitleAutosomal dominant chorea-acanthocytosis with polyglutamine-containing neuronal inclusions
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsWalker, RH, Morgello, S, Davidoff-Feldman, B, Melnick, A, Walsh, MJ, Shashidharan, P, Brin, MF
JournalNeurology
Volume58
Issue7
Pagination1031-7
Date Published04/2002
KeywordsAcanthocytes, Atrophy, Chorea, External, Inclusion Bodies, Pedigree, Peptides
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The term chorea-acanthocytosis describes a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders with variable clinical features and modes of inheritance. The characteristic acanthocytic appearance of red blood cells is attributed to abnormalities of a membrane protein, band 3, although the relationship between this and the neurodegenerative process has yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To describe features of phenotype, inheritance, and neuropathological findings in a family with this disorder. METHODS: Clinical and hematologic evaluations were performed on all available family members and neuropathological examination was performed on one case. RESULTS: Autosomal dominant inheritance was evident, with variable clinical features of chorea or parkinsonism, marked cognitive changes, but no seizures or peripheral neurologic abnormalities. Abnormalities of band 3 were demonstrated on gel electrophoresis of red blood cell membranes. Neuropathological examination revealed severe neuronal loss of the caudate-putamen and intranuclear inclusion bodies in many areas of the cerebral cortex. These inclusion bodies were immunoreactive for ubiquitin, expanded polyglutamine repeats, and torsinA. CONCLUSIONS: This family extends the genetic spectrum of chorea-acanthocytosis to include autosomal dominant inheritance, possibly due to expanded trinucleotide repeats. Intraneuronal inclusion bodies have recently been associated with a wide range of inherited neurodegenerative disorders and may provide a clue to etiopathogenesis, in addition to potentially indicating a function of torsinA.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11940688