• M Kawajiri, M Mogi, N Higaki, T Tateishi, Y Ohyagi, M Horiuchi, T Miki, and J-I Kira.
• Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Tohon, Ehime, Japan. mz1965kawajj@khc.biglobe.ne.jp
• Acta Neurol. Scand. 2009 May 1;119(5):341-4.

BackgroundRecent studies suggest that angiotensin II, a major substrate in the renin-angiotensin system, protects neurons through stimulation of its type 2 receptors. However, quite a few clinical studies of angiotensin II levels have shown their relation to disease severity in neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Aims Of The StudyTo clarify the significance of angiotensin II in ALS.MethodsWe assayed angiotensin II concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 23 patients with ALS, nine patients with spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) and 24 control individuals. We evaluated the disability levels of patients with ALS using the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and calculated the disease progression rate (DPR).ResultsCSF angiotensin II levels were significantly lower in the ALS group compared with that in the control group (P = 0.00864), and showed a significant positive correlation with scores on the ALSFRS-R, and a significant negative correlation with the DPR.ConclusionsIn the present study, we reveal for the first time that angiotensin II levels in the CSF from patients with ALS are significantly reduced and significantly associated with disease severity and progression rate. These findings suggest that reduced levels of intrathecal angiotensin II may play a role in ALS.

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