Degeneration of spinal motor neurons in adults may be due to a lack of ____________ factor.
A)brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF)
B)neurotrophin-3
C)nerve growth (NGF)
D)glial-derived neurotrophic (GDNF)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The degeneration of spinal motor neurons in adults is commonly associated with a lack of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF is produced by supporting cells in the nervous system, called glial cells, and it plays a vital role in the growth and survival of developing and mature neurons. GDNF has been shown to promote the survival and differentiation of motor neurons, in particular, which are the cells responsible for controlling muscle movement. Therefore, a lack of GDNF can lead to the degeneration of these neurons and the development of motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Degeneration of Spinal Motor Neurons in Adults May Be Due