(Trachte) Muscle Function

Question 1

Name the 3 Motor neuron diseases

i. degeneration of motor neurons
ii. autoantibodies against Calcium channels in motor neurons resulting in an inability to release acetylcholine
iii. prevents acetylcholine release by cleaving synaptic associated proteins (SNAPs)

Answer 1

i. Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) involves degeneration of motor neurons

ii. Lambert-Eaton syndrome is caused by autoantibodies against Calcium channels in motor neurons resulting in an inability to release acetylcholine

iii. Botulism prevents acetylcholine release by cleaving synaptic associated proteins (SNAPs)

Question 2

Name the Muscle Weakness Disease involving:

b. Nicotinic receptor
c. Ryanodine receptors (Calcium-induced calcium release channels)
d. Support proteins

Answer 2

b. Nicotinic receptor
i. Myasthenia gravis is caused by autoantibodies against nicotinic receptors in skeletal muscle (autoimmune disease)

c. Ryanodine receptors (Calcium-induced calcium release channels)
i. Malignant hyperthermia is caused by a mutation of the ryanodine receptor allowing excessive release of calcium, usually triggered by anesthetics

d. Support proteins
i. A mutation in dystrophin, a skeletal muscle support protein, results in Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy