Measurement of antiacetylcholine receptor auto-antibodies in myasthenia gravis

  • K. J. Steenkamp
  • W. Duim
  • M. S. Myer
  • S. C. K. Malfeld
  • R. Anderson

Abstract

Two different acetylcholine receptor (AChR) preparations derived from amputated human muscle (AChRAMP) and from the human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line TE671 (AChRTE67,) were compared in radio-immunoprecipitation assays for the detection of AChR auto-antibodies in serum specimens from 20 patients with proven myasthenia gravis. Tests performed with the AChRTE67, and AChRAMP antigen preparations were positive in all the patients and in 19/20 respectively. A high degree of correlation (r = 0,94) was evident between the two auto-antigen preparations. Assays based on the use of TE671-derived antigen represent a useful alternative to the conventional assay using AChRAMP  for the detection of AChR autoantibodies.

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eISSN: 0256-95749
print ISSN: 2078-5135