Scientists pinpoint genetic driver of narcolepsy. AFP - Scientists in Japan have identified a genetic mutation linked to narcolepsy, a disease that can cause someone to doze off in mid-sentence or behind the wheel of a car, a study released Sunday reports.Source: Yahoo! News: Biotechnology News
Identification of the neuronal suppressor of cataplexy, sudden weakening of muscle tone. Narcolepsy is a disorder caused by losing orexin neurons, marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, sudden weakening of muscle tone. Previously, we found two kinds of neurons preventing narcolepsy by receiving information from orexin neurons. Here, we have discovered that serotonin neuron, one of the two neurons above, inhibits cataplexy by reducing the amygdala activity, which controls emotion. Current discovery should lead to comprehension of the narcolepsy mechanism and to therapy development for cataplexy. Ref. Source 8k.
Finding a way to help people who suffer from this can improve their lives a lot. Imagine them being able to drive without fear of falling asleep or work without fear of dozing off at the workplace. It could help them live more normal lives.
New proof that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease. Researchers have discovered autoreactive cells in persons suffering from narcolepsy. This is a new, important proof that the sleep disorder is an autoimmune disease. This knowledge may lead to better treatment of the chronic condition, the researchers behind the new discovery believe. Source 4m.