RNA ("ribonucleomics") gene slicing reveals mutations in McArdle patients
The Human Genome Project confirmed that one gene controls many proteins. New types of mutations are being revealed, and this study looks at McArdle's disease, an inherited disease in which abnormal amounts of glycogen accumulate in skeletal muscle resulting in weakness and cramping. An accompanying editorial "Echo of silence: Silent mutations, RNA splicing and neuromuscular diseases" makes the science of this paper understandable.

Levodopa addiction in nonparkinsonian patients
Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often crave their next dose of levodopa. This craving has been attributed to the severity of PD symptoms with loss of levodopa benefit. The study observed psychological and physiological symptoms - signs of addiction and withdrawal - in five people without PD who were weaned off levodopa. This suggests that levodopa can be very addictive, and could explain PD patients' impatience with waiting for their next dose.

A "Patient Page" article on Myasthenia Gravis and pregnancy will be available for download at www.Neurology.org on November 25, or can be obtained in advance from AAN Media Relations staff.

Upcoming Events

Advances in Neurology media briefing
The American Medical Association is sponsoring a media briefing on breaking news from Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience on Thursday, December 4, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York. Researchers from major academic and scientific institutions will present. Timothy Pedley, MD, Neurological Institute, New York, AAN board member and former chair of the AAN Science Committee, will moderate. Contact Lise Steves, AM
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Contact: Kathy Stone
kstone@aan.com
651-695-2763
American Academy of Neurology
24-Nov-2003