Lewy bodies
Lewy bodies
Lewy bodies (pronounced: LOO-ee bodies) are abnormal aggregates of protein that develop inside nerve cells in Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia, and some other disorders. They are identified microscopically by their characteristic appearance.
Etymology
The term "Lewy body" is named after the neurologist Friedrich H. Lewy, who first described these structures in the early 20th century.
Definition
Lewy bodies are spherical structures that displace other cell components. They are composed primarily of a protein called alpha-synuclein. In a healthy neuron, alpha-synuclein is involved in the release and reception of chemical signals. In a neuron with a Lewy body, this protein is misfolded and forms a dense core surrounded by a halo of radiating fibers.
Related Terms
- Parkinson's disease: A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Lewy bodies are a hallmark of this disease.
- Lewy body dementia: A type of dementia that is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. Symptoms can include cognitive problems, hallucinations, and fluctuations in alertness and attention.
- Alpha-synuclein: A protein that is abundant in the human brain. Misfolded forms of this protein form the core of Lewy bodies.
- Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. Most neurons have a cell body, an axon, and dendrites.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lewy bodies
- Wikipedia's article - Lewy bodies
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