ISSN:
1432-1459
Keywords:
Myasthenia gravis thymus
;
Thymic hyperplasia
;
Thymitis
;
Seronegative myasthenia gravis
;
Human lymphocyte cultures
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In 5–10% of all patients with typical generalised myasthenia gravis (MG), serum antibody to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is undetectable. To determine whether these represent a distinct subgroup, we have compared the thymuses of 14 seronegatives, 70 seropositives and 12 non-myasthenic controls. By quantitative immunohistology on coded sections, the 7 seronegative samples were clearly distinguishable from the controls by the pronounced lymph node-type T-cell areas in the medulla. While these closely resembled those in the seropositive cases, germinal centres were significantly sparser, and total in vitro IgG production was disproportionately low (per B cell) in the 12 cases tested. Furthermore, specific anti-AChR production was never detected in any of these cultures. The data support the view that the medullary T-cell areas are the most consistent abnormalitiy in the MG thymus (though it may not be primary), and they strongly imply that seronegative and seropositive MG are distinct entities.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00319736
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