Role of superoxide dismutase in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Activity of cytosolic Cu2+/Zn2+-superoxide dismutase and total superoxide dismutase activity of the spinal fluid of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were measured. These parameters correlates with the form of this disease, its duration, and the severity of neurological disorders. Our findings indicate that free-radical processes are involved in the damage to motor neurons in this disease.