Neuro Flashcards
1
Q
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
A
Prion based diseases, that are all a/w the prion protein that is both infectious and transmissible. Brain looks like a sponge
2
Q
Prion (3)
A
- natural neuronal protein
- do not follow central dogma – no DNA/RNA
- do not know their actual function
3
Q
How do prions become pathogenic? (5)
A
- intracellular vacuoles in neurons and glia
- Change in confirmation:
- From alpha structures to beta structures
- The new beta sheet prion protein cannot be broken down by proteases so it accumulates and causes disease
- Positive feedback: the abnormal prion then facilitates conversion of other normal prions into abnormal prions
4
Q
What is the most common transmissible spongiform encephalopathy disease? (4)
A
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- 1/1000000
- Leads to rapidly aggressive dementia
- Seems to target the elderly in the 7th generation
5
Q
Iatrogenic transmission of CJD (3)
A
- Corneal transplantation
- Deep implantation electrodes
- Contaminated preparations of HGH
All vectors for disease transmission
6
Q
Where and what is the code for the prion protein? (2)
A
- Chromosome 20
- PRNP gene
7
Q
Demyelinating Diseases (3)
A
- Acquired conditions
- Damage to the myelin
- Preservation of axons
8
Q
Myelin in Demyelinating Diseases (4)
A
- Myelin is responsible for the conduction of impulses
- In these diseases the loss of myelin causes the conduction of impulses to slow way down
- Limited capacity of the CNS to regenerate myelin
- Secondary damage to axons
9
Q
Multiple Sclerosis
A
- Demyelinating disease
- Autoimmune
