Acetylcholine receptors from human muscle as pharmacological targets for ALS therapy

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600251113
• Publication Date: 2016-03-01T04:14:31Z
• Authors: Eleonora Palma; Jorge Mauricio Re...; Diego Lopergolo; Cristina Roseti; Cristina Bertollini; Gabriele Ruffolo; Pierangelo Cifelli; Emanuela Onesti; Cristina Limatola; Ricardo Miledi; Maurizio Inghilleri
• Keywords: Pathogenesis; Palmitoylethanolamide

Significance Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease leading to motor neuron degeneration and progressive paralysis. Other studies have revealed defects in skeletal muscle even the absence of anomalies, focusing on acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) supporting so-called “dying-back” hypothesis. Our results indicate that endocannabinoid palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) reduces rundown AChRs currents ALS can clinically improve patients’ pulmonary function. This study strengthens important role pathogenesis idea be therapeutic targets.