Acta neurologica Scandinavica
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · May 2009
Reduced angiotensin II levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Recent 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). ⋯ In 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.