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Selective loss of cholinergic sudomotor fibers causes anhidrosis in Ross syndrome
Author(s) -
Sommer Claudia,
Lindenlaub Thies,
Zillikens Detlef,
Toyka Klaus V.,
Naumann Markus
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.10256
Subject(s) - sudomotor , cholinergic , anhidrosis , sweat gland , medicine , sweat , skin biopsy , cholinergic neuron , anatomy , neuroscience , dermatology , biology , biopsy
Abstract Ross syndrome consists of segmental hyperhidrosis with widespread anhidrosis, Adie syndrome, and areflexia. The cause of this disorder is unknown. Selective degeneration of cholinergic fibers or of neural crest–derived structures has been suggested. We present clinical and skin biopsy data of 4 patients, providing evidence of reduced cholinergic sweat gland innervation in hypohidrotic skin by morphometric analysis. These findings indicate a selective degenerative process of the cholinergic sudomotor neurons.