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Cross‐reactivity of anti‐acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies
Author(s) -
Garlepp Michael J. H.,
Kay Peter H.,
Dawkins Roger L.,
Bucknall Roger C.,
Kemp Andrew
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880040404
Subject(s) - autoantibody , acetylcholine receptor , acetylcholine , cross reactivity , reactivity (psychology) , receptor , chemistry , medicine , endocrinology , immunology , biochemistry , antibody , cross reactions , pathology , alternative medicine
The heterogeneity of the specificities of anti‐acetylcholine receptor (anti‐AChR) antibodies of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients has been demonstrated by comparing reactions against a panel of xenogeneic AChR. For each patient there was a more or less unique cross‐reactivity profile. Such heterogeneity emphasizes the need to use human AChR for the routine detection of anti‐AChR. In vitro cross‐reactivity was important in predicting the effect of anti‐AChR after passive transfer to rats. Specificity may influence the outcome in human neonates receiving maternal anti‐AChR via the placenta. In contrast to the extreme heterogeneity seen in spontaneous MG, the antibodies associated with D‐penicillamine–induced MG were more homogeneous.