AUTOANTIBODIES, NEUROTOXINS AND THE NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Myasthenia gravis, the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, and acquired neuromyotonia are three disorders of the neuromuscular junction or mo tor nerve that are caused by autoantibodies to ion channel proteins: a cetylcholine receptors, voltage-gated calcium channels and voltage-gat ed potassium channels, respectively. The antibody titres can be measur ed using the relevant I-125-neurotoxins to label the extracted channel s. Other disorders of the peripheral motor nerve are associated with a ntibodies to gangliosides. Sera with raised levels of anti-ganglioside antibodies have direct effects on the function of the distal motor ne rve and motor nerve terminal. These conditions can be improved by ther apies designed to reduce circulating antibodies. Antibodies that bind to neuronal surface antigens are proving to be of great clinical impor tance and interest in neurological disorders.