Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The neuropathology of degenerative brain and spinal cord diseases is briefly reviewed. These are diseases in which selected populations of neurons die progressively, giving rise to progressive diseases affecting cognitive or motor functions. They are associated with the build-up in the CNS of abnormal protein aggregates. Many are genetically determined in at least some cases and recent discovery of the genes involved has enabled animal models to be developed that allow preventive or treatment strategies to be developed, in some cases, for the first time. The affected neurons are thought to die by an apoptotic-like process. Disease pathogenesis is likely to involve some common mechanisms including free radical damage, excitotoxic injury and calcium entry into cells which leads to proteolytic damage including damage involving caspases.

Type

Journal article

Journal

CPD Bulletin Cellular Pathology

Publication Date

01/01/2002

Volume

4

Pages

86 - 91