The pattern of antiganglioside antibody reactivities producing myelinated nerve conduction block in vitro

We studied the pattern of human antiganglioside antibody reactivities causi ng an acute conduction block in rat myelinated nerve fibers, using an in vi tro preparation of the sciatic-tibial nerve. With the aid of complements, I gM antibodies reacting with the terminal disaccharide of galactose (beta 1- 3)N-acetylgalactosamine produced the block. These findings may help us to u nderstand the mechanism in which the conduction block occurs in neuropathie s associated with antiganglioside antibodies. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.