A 72-year-old male presents with resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Autopsy reveals loss of pigmentation in the substantia nigra. What protein is the primary component of the characteristic inclusions found in remaining neurons?
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Correct answer: Alpha-synuclein
The patient has Parkinson disease, which is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies are eosinophilic intracellular inclusions primarily composed of alpha-synuclein.
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