| Researchers have proposed that ALS may have an
autoimmune basis. The following
are the bases for their hypotheses:
Analyses of ALS patient sera have identified circulating antibodies
secreted by denervated muscle. These antibodies inhibit the
stimulation of the sprouting of axons, the long arms of neurons
which conduct nervous impulses to other neurons throughout the body
(Onion 1998).
Researchers have found an
immunoglobulin that affects the conductance of neuronal
voltage-activated calcium channels which may induce an excessive
release of glutamate from nerve endings (Onion 1998).
Several studies of ALS patients found
the presence of antibodies that interact with motor neurons (Pestronk
et al. 1988a; Pestronk et al. 1988b; Pestronk et al. 1989;
Niebroj-Dobosz et al. 1999).
Immune complexes have been found in
spinal cords of patients with ALS.
It has been proposed that T cells, activated microglia, and
immunoglobulin G (IgG) within the spinal cord lesions may be the
primary event that leads to tissue destruction in ALS.
http://www.valdezlink.com/pages/lou_gehrig.htm
Lou
Gehrig's - a for sure for many gulf war vets
|
| Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmunity may play a role in
ALS. In this disease, the immune system becomes confused
and begins attacking tissues in the body. Under normal
conditions, the body's immune system produces proteins
called immunoglobulins which attach to
their target antigen. An antigen is a substance that
produces an immune response and is usually something
foreign to the body. The immunoglobulins attach to and
surround the target antigen, forming an antigen-antibody
complex. This complex is then ingested by phagocytes,
such as macrophages, in a process called phagocytosis.
In autoimmune disease, antibodies are produced that
attach to the tissues of the body, instead of foreign
substances. The following are examples of diseases with
an autoimmune basis: |
Is ALS, Lou
Gehrig's autoimmune?
I was wanting to know whether or not Lou Gehrig's was Autoimmune ...
I was wanting to know whether or not ALS
was autoimmune ...
and per research gathered by lef.org, it does appear so
www.valdezlink.com/pages/autoimmune.htm#is ...
www.valdezlink.com/pages/alsforum.htm
& other
http://www.valdezhousing.com/re/health/als
|