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Toxic Factor Linked to ALS Neuron Death

Michael Smith
Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. | April 25, 2007

Note that these studies, carried out in cell culture, suggest that in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis some of the brain's structural cells may secrete a toxic factor that selectively poisons motor neurons.
Explain to interested patients that ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative condition, characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons.
Point out that these studies are preliminary and more research is needed.

NEW YORK, April 25 -- Glial cells -- long thought to be passive onlookers as motor neurons die in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- are actually major players, according to two research groups.

In companion papers published online in Nature Neuroscience, scientists at Columbia here and at Harvard reported that in ALS glial cells can secrete a toxic factor that selectively kills motor neurons.

The findings hold the promise of earlier diagnosis of the disorder -- also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease -- and may also open the door to possible therapeutic approaches, the researchers said.

"It was previously thought that astrocytes (the most abundant form of glial cell) were merely spectators watching their neighboring motor neurons die," said Serge Przedborski, M.D., Ph.D., of Columbia.

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Toxic Factor Linked to ALS Neuron Death

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