Trace element imbalances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Author: Khare SS, Ehmann WD, Kasarskis EJ, Markesbery WR.

Source: Neurotoxicology.

Year: 1990

Comment:

Although this study is not about dental mercury, changes in mercury and selenium levels are noted in tissues of patients with ALS.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“Concentrations of 15 elements were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in brain, spinal cord, blood cells, serum and nails of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients and appropriately matched control subjects. Several significant imbalances were detected in trace element levels in ALS samples compared to control samples. Some of these changes are probably secondary to the loss of tissue mass, especially in spinal cord. However the widespread changes observed in Hg and Se levels in ALS tissues deserve special attention. The significance of these alterations in trace element levels in relation to the pathogenesis of ALS is discussed.”

Citation:

Khare SS, Ehmann WD, Kasarskis EJ, Markesbery WR. Trace element imbalances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurotoxicology. 1989; 11(3): 521-532.