The Motor Neuron Response to SMN1 Deficiency in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
Keywords
compound motor action potential, electrophysiology, motor neuron disease, motor unit number estimation, spinal muscular atrophy
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.23967
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to measure and analyze motor unit number estimation (MUNE) values longitudinally in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: Sixty-two children with SMA types 2 and 3 were observed prospectively for up to 42 months. Longitudinal electrophysiological data were collected, including compound motor action potential (CMAP), single motor unit action potential (SMUP), and MUNE. Results: Significant motor neuron loss and compensatory collateral reinnervation were noted at baseline. Over time, there was a significant mean increase in MUNE (4.92 units/year, P = 0.009), a mean decrease in SMUP amplitude (−6.32 μV/year, P = 0.10), and stable CMAP amplitude. Conclusions: The unexpected longitudinal results differ from findings in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis studies, perhaps indicating that compensatory processes in SMA involve new motor unit development. A better understanding of the mechanisms of motor unit decline and compensation in SMA is important for assessing novel therapeutic strategies and for providing key insights into disease pathophysiology. Muscle Nerve 49: 636–644, 2014
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Muscle & Nerve, v. 49, issue 5, p. 636-644
Scholar Commons Citation
Kang, Peter B.; Gooch, Clifton L.; McDermott, Michael P.; Darras, Basil T.; Finkel, Richard S.; Yang, Michele L.; Sproule, Douglas M.; Chung, Wendy K.; Kaufmann, Petra; and Vivo, Darryl C., "The Motor Neuron Response to SMN1 Deficiency in Spinal Muscular Atrophy" (2014). Neurology Faculty Publications. 95.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/neur_facpub/95
