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Προβολή αναρτήσεων από Μαρτίου 2, 2019
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), also known as Devic's disease, is an autoimmune disorder in which immune system cells and antibodies primarily attack the optic nerves and the spinal cord, but may also attack the brain. The damage to the optic nerves produces swelling and inflammation that cause pain and loss of vision; the damage to the spinal cord causes weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, loss of sensation, and problems with bladder and bowel function. NMO is a relapsing-remitting disease. During a relapse, new damage to the optic nerves and/or spinal cord can lead to accumulating disability. Unlike MS, there is no progressive phase of this disease. Therefore, preventing attacks is critical to a good long-term outcome. The cause of NMO is thought to be due to a specific attack on the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channel located within the optic nerves and spinal cord. Aquaporins (AQPs) are proteins that transport water across cell membran