Pathology · CNS Pathology (Tumors, Degenerative, Infections)

Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease are intraneuronal cytoplasmic inclusions predominantly composed of which protein?

  • A Alpha-synuclein (misfolded)
  • B Tau protein (hyperphosphorylated)
  • C TDP-43
  • D Huntingtin protein with polyglutamine expansions
Correct answer: A. Alpha-synuclein (misfolded)

Explanation

Lewy bodies are the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. They are intracytoplasmic, eosinophilic, rounded inclusions with a dense core and pale halo, predominantly composed of misfolded, ubiquitinated alpha-synuclein aggregates. Tau (neurofibrillary tangles) is the hallmark of Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia; TDP-43 is seen in ALS and FTLD; huntingtin in Huntington's disease.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Sponsored

Want to test yourself?

Create a free account for timed mock tests, mistake tracking, and FSRS spaced-repetition revision across 23,000+ MCQs.

Start free → Log in

More CNS Pathology (Tumors, Degenerative, Infections) MCQs

See all CNS Pathology (Tumors, Degenerative, Infections) MCQs →