Date of Award
Summer 2001
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Mynlieff, Michelle
Second Advisor
Buchanan, James
Third Advisor
Piacsek, Bela
Abstract
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) is a devastating disease of unknown cause. Many hypotheses for the pathogenesis of SALS have been suggested, yet the mechanism of development remains elusive. In fact, this disease may result from several rather than one cause. Among the etiological hypotheses, some lines of evidence suggest neuronal death mediated by autoantibodies (IgG). The lgG may target calcium channels in motor neurons causing a sustained increase in calcimn influx through the ion channel, ultimately elevating the intracellular calcium concentration to a toxic level. Previous studies detected IgG within motor neurons of SALS patients and IgG from SALS patients have been shown to alter voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) activity in various cell types. Results from these studies vary however; some show an increase in calcium channel activity, while others show a decrease. None of the previous studies have tested true motor neurons, the neurons known to degenerate in SALS. Therefore, the current study investigates the hypothesis that sera from SALS patients contain IgG that affect VGCCs in motor neurons.
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Jennifer R., "Effect of Antibodies from Sporadic ALS Patients on Voltage-Dependent Calcium Currents in Dissociated Rat Motor Neurons" (2001). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3093.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3093