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Current Science Reviews by Joe Bruman September 1995 Science News: 5 Aug 1995; 84, 86 Two items of possible interest: Mitochondria, the mysterious organelles within a cell that keep it alive and functioning, like the cell nucleus contain DNA and therefore are also subject to genetic defects. When mitochondria fail, the cell dies. Various workers think there may be a correlation between mitochondrial defects and neurodegenerative disease. -Second, a group of gerontologists have 'discovered' that numerous tranquilizers cause parkinsonis, and a significant fraction of elderly patients getting L-Dopa or other PD drugs were also on tranquilizers. Schneider, J. et al: Neur 1995; 45:1149-1154 The glycolipid monosialoganglioside GM1 is normally abundant in neuron membranes in the brain, and is thought to modulate the self-repair by damaged neurons, particularly the dopaminergic ones of the substantia nigra, in ways poorly understood. In continuing studies evidently sponsored by Sygen, who have extracted GM1 from cattle, it has been tried in animals, including MPTP monkeys, and recently in human volunteers. Ten subjects with uncomplicated PD got 1000mg IV, followed by 200mg subcutaneous daily for 18 weeks. GM1 proved to be generally safe and well-tolerated (despite some earlier reports of association with Guillain-Barre syndrome) and produced small but significant improvement in cognitive and motor function. A souble-blind follow-up study is now underway, and subjects are still being recruited by Hahnemann University, (215) 762-3066. The trial requires frequent presence for testing in Philadelphia. The group is also working on LIGA 20, a more potent semi-synthetic derivative of GM1 that may be taken orally. (see following item- JRB) Illa, I. et al: Ann Neur 1995; 38:218-224 Authors report 7 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an acute, slow-recovery paralysis that is occasionally fatal, following injections of ganglioside, often used outside the US for nonspecific pain syndromes because of its possible neurotrophic effect. GBS has several known causes and is thought to be an autoimmune disease. (cf Merck, p 1521) Lang, A. et al: Arch Neur 1995; 52:802-810 Authors claim parkinsonism is occasionally psychogenic, and cite some clinical distinctions from the usual kind. Albanese, A. et al: J Neur Neurosurg Psych 1995; 59:144-151 Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) can be mistaken for PD. Authors present some diagnostic criteria, including failure to respond to levodopa. Morens D. et al: Neur 1995; 45:1041 Cigarette smoking and protection from PD: False association or etiologic clue? (would like some feedback from you languid lurkers, for continued reassurance that someone reads this stuff. Joe) J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks CA 91403