Stimulation of Lymphocytes by Cholinergic Receptor in Myasthenia Gravis

Abstract

Lymphocytes from 13 myasthenic patients were incubated in vitro with membranes enriched in nicotinic cholinergic receptor obtained from Torpedo marmorata electric organ. When autologous serum was present in the incubation medium, the lymphocytes were highly stimulated. In contrast, no stimulation occurred when lymphocytes were cultured in presence of AB serum. These results suggest that an immune response against the Ach cholinergic receptor is present in myasthenic patients and give further support to the hypothesis that an autoimmune response against muscular receptors may be involved in Myasthenia Gravis pathogenesis.