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Janet Paterson posted info: <<TAMPA, Fla. (Mar 14, 1996 10:09 p.m. EST) -- A fibrous protein linked to Alzheimer's disease has a toxic effect on blood vessels, causing them to constrict and perhaps disrupting blood flow to the brain, scientists said. University of South Florida researchers also found that an enzyme could block the damaging effects of the protein on blood vessels of experimental animals, suggesting new, easier ways to prevent and treat the disease. Most research has focused on damage in the brain, but little on the importance of blood supply to the brain.>> <<USF researchers were examining the protein beta-amyloid, found in tangles in the brains of victims and known to generate free radicals, a natural but damaging side effect of cellular activity. They found free radicals were ripping a thin lining from blood-vessel walls, damaging their ability to relax, said Dr. Tom Thomas, lead author of the paper.>> <<If Alzheimer's is developing because of blood supply problems, it might be easy to treat with antioxidants, like the enzyme superoxide dismutase that was used in the USF experiments. Antioxidants, like vitamin E, are known to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.>> The 1993 UPF newsletter #2, part 1 page 7 includes a paragraph that Dr Yves Agid and group at Salpetriere studied whether there might be a relationship between levels of copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase, which protects against oxidative stress, and the amount of melanin in nigra neurons. They found lower amouonts in melanized neurons - indicates that cells which die in PD do not have sufficient CuZnSOD to protect against free-radical production. The 1993 UPF newsletter #4, part 2 section starting on page 6, Genetic findings in ALS; Implications for PD by C. Warren Olanow, MD includes reported gene mutations in familial ALS patients in the gene that encodes for SOD, superoxidedismutase. This SOD is declared one of the body's principal defenses against free radicals. Olanow says it is reasonable to screen patients for SOD gene mutations. I agree - and suggest that such screening for all neurodegenerative patients might be prudent if cost in pain and dollars is reasonable. If SOD enzyme - which is a natural chemical - is curative, it should be clinically tried without delay by seeking FDA exemption or special approval. ron 1936, dz PD 1984 Ronald F. Vetter <[log in to unmask]> http://www1.ridgecrest.ca.us/~rfvetter/