We are investigating the case of a patient that has high levels of anti-antiAChR antibodies but does not suffer myasthenia gravis, but a locomotor problem that seems to be of spinal origin. We wonder if there could be other type of antiAChR involved specific for nicotinic AChR in the spinal cord.
two questions: is there any other antibody you have detected or screened out anyway? have you performed any immunofluo on spinal cord or brain tissues? The apha7 nicotinic subunits is highly expressed in motoneurons (and in many other neurons, actually) according to our transcriptomics database.
Thanks very much Francesco and sorry for my tardy reply. We did screen for other types, however unsuccesfully. In blood:MuSK, GlyR (subunits alpha 1,2,3),A glycine transporter, MOG, AQP4, GAD. In CSF: AChR (the same antibodies that were possitive in the blood were negative in CSF), GlyR (subunits alpha 1,2,3),A glycine transporter, We have not performed any immunofluo.
Thank's very much you for the alpha7 tip. Any more more suggestions/ ideas?
Thanks again
Dear carlos,
we have a transcriptics database for whole spinal cord and motoneurons. I can check specific transcription patterns/levels on request.
Dear Francesco,
That sounds realling interesting! We would be particularly interested in Renshaw neurons, because from the elctrophysiology data we suspect that they may be affected. We wonder if they have a specifc pattern of expression of AChR subtypes or perhaps GlyRs or GlyTs subtypes.
If you prefer, we can also contact directly. My e-mail is: [email protected]
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