ABSTRACT
The F response represents the recurrent discharge of a small percentage of the motoneuron pool activated antidromically by any single impulse delivered to the nerve. We studied F waves from median nerve stimulation in 22 controls, in 30 patients with spasticity after cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and in 4 patients with familial spastic paraplegia (FSP). The following parameters were analyzed: median nerve conduction velocity, median nerve M response amplitude (M), average amplitude of 16 F responses (F16); persistence of F response (Fp) defined as the percentage of measurable responses to 16 stimuli, average amplitude of F response expressed as percentage of maximal M amplitude: (F16/M%). Results showed that Fp, F16 and F16/M% values were significantly increased on the spastic side of CVA patients and in FSP. Our findings indicate that after upper motor neuron lesions (whatever etiology and course) a change in the frequency of recurrent discharge and/or in the total number of lower motor neurons capable of backfiring occurs. Therefore, F response reflects the hyperexcitability state of the lower motor neurons in spasticity.
Subject(s)
Motor Neurons/physiology , Nerve Degeneration/physiology , Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cerebrovascular Disorders/complications , Cerebrovascular Disorders/physiopathology , Electrophysiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neural Conduction/physiologyABSTRACT
Several viruses have been considered in the etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but definitive proof have not been given so far. Recently, Gallo and Koprowski (1985) pointed out the retroviruses. In our study serum anti-HTLV I and anti-HTLV III antibodies were determined in 31 MS patients. Anti-HTLV I antibodies were found in the serum of only three MS patients (9.6%); none of the patients had anti-HTLV III antibodies.
Subject(s)
HIV/immunology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , Multiple Sclerosis/immunology , Blood Donors , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , HIV Antibodies/analysis , HTLV-I Antibodies/analysis , Humans , Male , Multiple Sclerosis/etiologyABSTRACT
The characterization of peripheral blood T-cell subpopulations in 29 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is studied. A direct immunofluorescence assay was performed using monoclonal antibodies (OK series) directed to lymphocytes surface antigens. In transverse study, the patients suffering from progressive MS showed T4+ lymphocytes and T4+/T8+ ratio significantly high (p less than 0.05) compared to controls; furthermore T8+ lymphocyte values were low. T3+ lymphocytes were low (p less than 0.05) during the relapse in the MS remitting relapsing patients. A six month follow-up of the patients showed, during relapse, a reduction and, immediately after, a recovery of T3+ and T4+ lymphocyte values; T8+ lymphocytes didn't show remarkable fluctuations.
Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Adult , Antibodies, Monoclonal , Chronic Disease , Female , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Humans , Leukocyte Count , Male , Multiple Sclerosis/therapy , Recurrence , Remission Induction , T-Lymphocytes/classificationABSTRACT
A number of clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis that may influence prognosis quo ad valetudinem are considered; onset with optic neuritis and frequency of recurrence less than 0.5/annum in the first three years of disease seem to be associated with a slower degree of deterioration (measured by the progression index). The age of onset, sex and type of disease would not appear to influence the prognosis.
Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis , Adult , Age Factors , Disability Evaluation , Female , Humans , Italy , Male , Multiple Sclerosis/epidemiology , Prognosis , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
A subacute cerebellar degeneration-like paraneoplastic syndrome is reported in a woman with cystoadenopapillar carcinoma involving both ovaries. This syndrome, characterized by remarkable cerebellar ataxia, is an exceptional disorder which pathogenesis is still unknown although there is a hypothesis of a viral infection and autoimmunitary unchaining.
Subject(s)
Cerebellar Ataxia/etiology , Cystadenoma/complications , Ovarian Neoplasms/complications , Paraneoplastic Syndromes/etiology , Female , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
A case of hepatolenticular degeneration with the clinical pattern of Westphal-Strumpell disease is described. Diagnosis was based on clinical pattern, absence of hepatic impairment, typical biochemical abnormalities of copper metabolism and response (clinical and biochemical) to D-penicillamine.
