More effective treatments are being investigated and may include replacing the missing hypocretins with drugs that stimulate the hypocretin receptors.Īs our understanding grows about the mechanisms that underlie sleeping, wakefulness, and narcolepsy, we will progress toward finding a cure for this disease. The daytime sleepiness of narcolepsy is treated with stimulants similar to amphetamine, and cataplexy is treated with antidepressants. It has been suggested that the cause of human narcolepsy is the body's immune cells attacking and damaging the neurons that secrete hypocretin. It is now known that hypocretin deficiency in humans is closely associated with the HLA protein DQB1*0602. HLA refers to a group of proteins (antigens) that influence the level to which white blood cells (leukocytes) accept transplanted tissue (histocompatibility). The likelihood of developing narcolepsy is influenced by proteins known as histocompatibility leukocyte antigens (HLA). However, affected individuals do have very low levels of hypocretins, suggesting the loss of the brain cells that secrete hypocretin.Īlthough there are rare families where narcolepsy is passed on through several generations, most cases of narcolepsy occur at random rather than being inherited. A mutation in the hypocretin gene is extremely rare in human narcolepsy. Mice that have a mutation in the hypocretin gene also have narcolepsy. Dogs that have a mutation in the hypocretin receptor Hcrt2 have narcolepsy. When hypocretins are given to rats, they induce wakefulness. Cataplexy alone does not result in a loss of consciousness. Cataplexy in dogs presents as paralysis of the muscles and loss of tendon reflexes. Narcolepsy in dogs presents as excessive fatigue, lethargy and brief losses of consciousness. These proteins are called hypocretins (also known as orexins), and they signal messages in the brain. Narcolepsy and cataplexy are both central nervous system disorders. The genetics of narcolepsy is complex, but it is thought that a newly discovered group of proteins may be involved. The problem in narcolepsy is that REM can occur while awake, resulting in half-sleep dreams and temporary paralysis. It is during the REM phase of sleep when we dream and during this time that our muscles become completely relaxed. In this podcast episode, a patient with narcolepsy describes her rough, long road to diagnosis and treatment, and. The normal stages of sleep include a phase of rapid eye movement (REM). Awakened Hope for Narcolepsy ITT Episode 17 (32:35) Download. This is often triggered by an emotional response such as laughter, surprise, or anger. Cataplexy refers to a sudden weakness of the muscles that leads to collapse. The second major symptom of narcolepsy is called cataplexy. After a short nap, the patient may feel refreshed, but it is only a short period of time before drowsiness returns. Affected individuals are extremely drowsy during the daytime and may fall into a deep sleep at any time.
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