Lathyrism

In lathyrism is a chronic neurological disease of toxic origin. Lathyrism caused by long-term enjoyment of the meal drought tolerant seed pea ( Lathyrus sativus ) and is an example of the effect of a natural excitotoxin, which acts selectively on the first motor neuron.

Etiology

The active toxin is β -N- oxalylamino -L -alanine ( BOAA ), which acts selectively on the AMPA - glutamate receptor. Chronic ingestion of the toxin results in increased intracellular concentrations of free radicals and decreased function of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Pathological are mainly the Betz giant cells of primary motor cortex affects that innervate the muscles of the lower extremity.

Symptoms

Clinically, lathyrism neurotoxicity manifested in muscle spasms, cramping muscles of the extremities and progressive spastic paralysis ( paresis ) of the leg muscles. It is typical of the transition, where the individual actually from one leg to the other fall. Emotional and bladder dysfunction may also occur. Occasionally a grobschlägiger tremor of the arms is observed.

Occurrence

Lathyrism epidemic occurs on in drought areas, when the flour of Lathyrus pea is the main food. Epidemics have been reported in Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia and India. Historical eruptions example, there were in Spain during the Napoleonic wars, when the starving population is malnourished mainly of grass pea ( Almorta ).

Swell

• Murray and Mitsumoto: Disorders of upper and lower motor neurons. Neurology in Clinical Practice, Vol 2, Bradley et al ( eds ), Elsevier 2004

• Disease in neurology
• Poisoning