Neurological Terms beginning with I
- iNos search for term
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an enzyme that triggers the production of nitric oxide. Although normally turned on during infection and needed to help immune cells destroy invading pathogens, it is not normally found in the brain, where it may cause cellular damage that destroys neurons. It's found in the brain lesions of Alzheimer’s patients, where it appears to worsen the damage.
- insulysin search for term
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an enzyme that degrades insulin, now found to also degrade amyloid beta peptides. Lowered insulysin activity has been found to raise amyloid beta peptide levels in the brain. It is suggested that low levels of insulysin can therefore be considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's.
- interleukin-1 search for term
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is a protein that is increased in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, producing excessive immune activation and inflammation. A rise in acetylcholine reduces the production of interleukin-1.
- interneurons search for term
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are neurons that connect with other neurons, as compared to sensory and motor neurons. Most neurons are interneurons.