[A new mutation in the connexin 32 gene of a Chinese family with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with central conduction slowing].

To report a Chinese Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) family whose proband had abnormal brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and to study its relationship with connexin 32 (Cx32) gene mutation. All family members were studied through clinical examinations, out of them, the proband was subjected to electromyography and BAEPs examination. Mutation analysis of Cx32 was screened by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) combined with DNA direct sequencing in the proband, 8 family members and 50 unrelated normal individuals. The proband had highly decreased nerve conduction velocities and delayed BAEPs. Leu131Pro mutation was found in the proband and 3 family members, not found in 50 normal controls. This mutation has not been reported previously. Central nervous system can be affected in CMT patients.