Childhood giant axonal neuropathy. Case report and review of the literature.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-1987

Abstract

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a rare autosomal recessive childhood disorder characterized by a peripheral neuropathy and features of central nervous system involvement. Typically seen are distal axonal swellings filled with 8-10 nm in diameter neurofilaments in central and peripheral axons, and intermediate filament collections in several other cell types. Many neurotoxins produce a morphologically similar neuropathy in humans and experimental animals. Defective nerve fiber energy metabolism has been postulated as a cause in these toxic neuropathies. It is possible that GAN represents an inborn error of metabolism of enzyme-linked sulfhydryl containing proteins, resulting in impaired production of energy necessary for the normal organization of intermediate filaments.

Volume

82

Issue

1-3

First Page

205

Last Page

228

ISSN

0022-510X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

2831308

Department(s)

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Document Type

Article

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