ISSN:
1432-0533
Keywords:
Key words Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG)
;
Anti-MAG autoantibodies
;
Paraproteinemic
;
polyneuropathy
;
Basal lamina
;
Confocal microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We report here on a patient with anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathy in whom examination of a sural nerve biopsy by multichannel confocal microscopy showed a partly overlapping distribution of MAG and IgM deposits in myelinated fibers. Our data demonstrate that MAG in Schmidt-Lanterman incisures and paranodal loops, as well as some additional HNK-1-positive components of the basal lamina, are the major targets of the anti-MAG monoclonal IgM autoantibodies in this neuropathy in vivo. Perforation of the basal lamina can allow the penetration and binding of anti-MAG IgM inside myelinated fibers. Our results support and extend the notion that the production of monoclonal anti-MAG IgM may be antigenically driven by MAG molecules and that this process may occur in the immunologically privileged environment of the nerve prior to the appearance of a genuine gammopathy in serum.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004010050835
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