Abnormal glycosylation of motor neurons withN-acetyl-d-galactosamine in a case of subacute motor neuronopathy associated with lymphoma

Abstract

Lectins, glycine max (SBA) andVicia villosa (VVA), which identify terminalN-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GaINAc), stained the motor neurons of a patient with sub-acute motor neuronopathy associated with neoplastic angioendotheliosis. In normal controls and in patients with other neurological disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neither lectin stained motor neurons. Abnormal glycosylation of motor neurons with terminal galNAc may be associated with the pathogenesis of subacute motor neuronopathy in this patient.