Myasthenia gravis: prototype of the antireceptor autoimmune diseases.

摘要: Publisher Summary Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a relatively uncommon disorder with prevalence of approximately 4 and an annual incidence 0.4 per 100,000. Its great importance derives from the fact that MG prototype antireceptor autoimmune diseases. In these diseases, immune system erroneously produces antibodies against receptors for hormones or neurotransmitters. These auto-antibodies bind to either stimulate impair their function. MG, target reaction neuroreceptor, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) neuromuscular junction. The anti-AChR autoantibodies produced by patients exert pathogenic effect not stimulating but impairing AChR therefore transmission. Typically, complain fluctuating muscle weakness producing symptoms such as double vision; difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, breathing; arms legs ranging severity abnormal fatigability during exercise frank paralysis. This chapter discusses recent work human MG. describes way molecule normally binds neurotransmitter mediates transmission perceived becomes antigen-specific B T lymphocytes.