Autosomal dominant chorea-acanthocytosis with polyglutamine-containing neuronal inclusions
Title | Autosomal dominant chorea-acanthocytosis with polyglutamine-containing neuronal inclusions |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2002 |
Authors | Walker, RH, Morgello, S, Davidoff-Feldman, B, Melnick, A, Walsh, MJ, Shashidharan, P, Brin, MF |
Journal | Neurology |
Volume | 58 |
Issue | 7 |
Pagination | 1031-7 |
Date Published | 04/2002 |
Keywords | Acanthocytes, 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. |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11940688 |