ISSN:
1432-1459
Schlagwort(e):
Myasthenia gravis thymus
;
Thymic hyperplasia
;
Thymitis
;
Seronegative myasthenia gravis
;
Human lymphocyte cultures
Quelle:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Thema:
Medizin
Notizen:
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.
Materialart:
Digitale Medien
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00319736
