Neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the spinal cord in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

摘要: We investigated the spinal cords of 15 patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) immunohistochemically using an anti-human neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) antibody to examine whether there is increased nNOS immunoreactivity in anterior horn neurons. Specimens from 16 without any neurological disease served as controls. In controls, large neurons was detected 10 out cases. However, were few nNOS-positive neurons, and most spared. ALS patients, mean number per transverse section L4 L5 significantly larger (16.2±10.9) than that controls (7.0±9.2) (P<0.0001). Moreover, 41.4% showed remarkable contrast 7.6% All showing mild, moderate or severe depletion displayed a higher percentage control (P<0.01). Most remaining more intense on surface their processes compared Degenerated frequently demonstrated normal-appearing Some cells somata. Dot-like deposits also positively immunoreactive anti-synaptophysin antibody. Thus, expression located mainly at synaptic sites ALS, which may be related degeneration this disease. Further studies are needed determine plays neuroprotective neurotoxic role show production ALS.