AChR subunit mRNA expression in human muscles of patients with myasthenia gravis / 中国免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate extraocular muscles(EOM) susceptibility to myasthenia gravis(MG).Methods:Acetylcholine receptor(AChR) ?, ?, ?, ? and ? subunits from human EOM and other different muscle groups from 8 health controls and intercostal muscles from 10 MG patients were studied by RT-PCR System. Serum AChR antibodies from 83 patients with MG were assayed by ELISA.Results:①AChR?, ?, ?, ? and ? subunit mRNA could be amplified from normal human EOM and all muscle groups studied. ②AChR? P3A+/?-actin mRNA was expressed at higher level in general MG than in health controls(P=0.028). ③Ocular and general MG patients had higher AChR antibodies against AChR from adult gastrocnemius muscle than that from fetus(P=0.001,0.016).Conclusion:Susceptibility of EOM to MG is likely associated with muscle AChR subunit mRNA expression and intrinsic susceptivity of EOM.