1
|
Braun P, Gingras AC. History of protein-protein interactions: From egg-white to complex networks. Proteomics 2012; 12:1478-98. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Braun
- Department of Plant Systems Biology; Center for Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan; Technical University Munich; Freising Germany
- Research Unit Protein Science; Helmholtz Centre Munich; Munich Germany
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
|
3
|
Tsuji S, Anglade P. Hundredth Anniversary of the “Synapse”: II. Study of the Cholinergic Synapse. Zoolog Sci 1997. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.14.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
4
|
Ducancel F, Mérienne K, Fromen-Romano C, Trémeau O, Pillet L, Drevet P, Zinn-Justin S, Boulain JC, Ménez A. Mimicry between receptors and antibodies. Identification of snake toxin determinants recognized by the acetylcholine receptor and an acetylcholine receptor-mimicking monoclonal antibody. J Biol Chem 1996; 271:31345-53. [PMID: 8940141 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.271.49.31345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In several instances, a monoclonal antibody raised against a receptor ligand has been claimed to mimic the ligand receptor. Thus, a specific monoclonal antibody (Malpha2-3) raised against a short-chain toxin from snake was proposed to mimic the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) (). Further confirming this mimicry, we show that (i) like AChR, Malpha2-3 elicits anti-AChR antibodies, which in turn elicit anti-toxin antibodies; and (ii) the region 106-122 of the alpha-chain of AChR shares 66% primary structure identity with complementarity-determining regions of Malpha2-3. Also, a mutational analysis of erabutoxin a reveals that the epitope recognized by Malpha2-3 consists of 10 residues, distributed within the three toxin loops. Eight of these residues also belong to the 10-residue epitope recognized by AChR, a result that offers an explanation as to the functional similarities between the receptor and the antibody. Strikingly, however, most of the residues common to the two epitopes contribute differentially to the energetic formation of the antibody-toxin and the receptor-toxin complexes. Together, the data suggest that the mimicry between AChR and Malpha2-3 is partial only.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Ducancel
- Département d'Ingénierie et d'Etudes des Protéines, DSV, CEA, Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
The diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases can be challenging and successful in the majority of patients, due to advancements in electrophysiology, muscle and nerve biopsy immunohistochemistry, and cytogenetics. This article reviews diverse topics, highlighting these recent achievements, with an emphasis on how they affect the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of specific neuromuscular disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D S Younger
- Neurological Institute of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gu D, Wogensen L, Calcutt NA, Xia C, Zhu S, Merlie JP, Fox HS, Lindstrom J, Powell HC, Sarvetnick N. Myasthenia gravis-like syndrome induced by expression of interferon gamma in the neuromuscular junction. J Exp Med 1995; 181:547-57. [PMID: 7836911 PMCID: PMC2191877 DOI: 10.1084/jem.181.2.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal humoral responses toward motor end plate constituents in muscle induce myasthenia gravis (MG). To study the etiology of this disease, and whether it could be induced by host defense molecules, we examined the consequences of interferon (IFN) gamma production within the neuromuscular junction of transgenic mice. The transgenic mice exhibited gradually increasing muscular weakness, flaccid paralysis, and functional disruption of the neuromuscular junction that was reversed after administration of an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, features which are strikingly similar to human MG. Furthermore, histological examination revealed infiltration of mononuclear cells and autoantibody deposition at motor end plates. Immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that a previously unidentified 87-kD target antigen was recognized by sera from transgenic mice and also by sera from the majority of human MG patients studied. These results suggest that expression of IFN-gamma at motor end plates provokes an autoimmune humoral response, similar to human MG, thus linking the expression of this factor with development of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Gu
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Ocular myasthenia is a localized form of myasthenia clinically involving only the extraocular, levator palpebrae superioris, and/or orbicularis oculi muscles. Ocular manifestations can masquerade as a variety of ocular motility disorders, including cranial nerve and gaze palsies. A history of variable and fatiguable muscle weakness suggests this diagnosis, which may be confirmed by the edrophonium (Tensilon) test and acetylcholine receptor antibody titer. Anticholinesterases, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents, and other therapeutic modalities, including thymectomy and plasmapheresis, are used in treatment. As the pathophysiology of myasthenia has been elucidated in recent years, newer treatment strategies have evolved, resulting in a much more favorable prognosis than several decades ago. This review provides historical background, pathophysiology, immuno-genetics, diagnostic testing, and treatment options for ocular myasthenia, as well as a discussion of drug-induced myasthenic syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D A Weinberg
- Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Araga S, LeBoeuf RD, Blalock JE. Prevention of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by manipulation of the immune network with a complementary peptide for the acetylcholine receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1993; 90:8747-51. [PMID: 8378359 PMCID: PMC47435 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.90.18.8747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) and experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) are caused, in part, by the production of autoantibodies against the main immunogenic region, amino acids 61-76, of the alpha chain of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Theoretically, induction of anti-idiotypic (Id) antibodies (Abs) should be a highly specific treatment for the disease by virtue of their potential ability to neutralize Abs to the AChR. We have tested this idea by attempting to evoke such anti-Id Abs by immunization with a peptide (termed RhCA 67-16) encoded by RNA complementary to the Torpedo AChR main immunogenic region and determining whether such treatment will prevent the development of EAMG. Immunization with RhCA 67-16, but not a control peptide termed PBM 9-1, was found to elicit the production of anti-Id Abs that blocked recognition of native Torpedo AChR by its Ab. This anti-Id Ab activity was ablated by incubation of the anti-RhCA 67-16 serum with RhCA 67-16, but PBM 9-1, prior to the assay for Ab binding to AChR. The anti-Id Ab-inducing activity of RhCA 67-16 was confirmed by the ability to produce a rat monoclonal Ab to RhCA 67-16 that showed anti-Id activity for polyclonal rat Ab reactive with AChR residues 67-76. Most importantly, RhCA 67-16 immunization also prevented the development of EAMG in Lewis rats challenged with Torpedo AChR (25% incidence versus 90% in the controls) and diminished the AChR Ab levels in animals injected with low doses of AChR. Our results suggest a therapy for MG and perhaps other autoimmune diseases through the induction of anti-Id Abs by peptide immunogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Araga
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0005
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Molenaar PC, Oen BS, Plomp JJ, Van Kempen GT, Jennekens FG, Hesselmans LF. A non-immunogenic myasthenia gravis model and its application in a study of transsynaptic regulation at the neuromuscular junction. Eur J Pharmacol 1991; 196:93-101. [PMID: 1874282 DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(91)90413-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A non-immunological model for myasthenia gravis was developed in rats: 'toxin-induced myasthenia gravis'. Rats were injected once every 48 h with 3-5 micrograms alpha-bungarotoxin for periods of up to 5 weeks. This treatment caused weakness, especially of facial muscles. Respiration, however, was unaffected. Miniature endplate potentials and 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin binding in the extensor digitorum longus muscles were severely reduced. Acetylcholine release evoked by electrical and chemical (50 mM KCl) stimulation was higher in diaphragms from alpha-bungarotoxin-treated rats than in those from control animals. Histological investigation of the tibialis anterior muscle provided no evidence that the endplates were enlarged. It is concluded that the activity of acetylcholine receptors influences the rate of transmitter release in the neuromuscular junction and it is suggested that a transsynaptic regulation process may be active in myasthenia gravis. The present animal model for myasthenia gravis seems very suitable for studying such a regulation of transmitter release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P C Molenaar
- Department of Physiology, University of Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shikada K, Kimura I, Kimura M. Correlation of clustering peak density and total amount of acetylcholine receptor on cultured mouse myotubes. Int J Dev Neurosci 1987; 5:53-61. [PMID: 3503489 DOI: 10.1016/0736-5748(87)90048-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and its clustering were studied quantitatively on mouse myotubes in nerve-muscle co-cultures. AChR was visualized by fluorescence-labeled antibodies (F-Ab) against crude AChR or fluorescence-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin (F-alpha-BuTX). The F-Ab stain was observed throughout the entire surface of the myotube at day 8 and appeared clustered at day 13. Both peak density and total amount of fluorescence in F-Ab stained myotubes were plotted against days in culture. Both fluorescence indices markedly increased from days 8 to 13 of culture were greater in extent in myotubes incubated in the presence of spinal cord explant, as compared with its absence. Similar results were observed in myotubes stained with F-alpha-BuTX. D-Tubocurarine (D-TC, 0.1 mg/ml) and native alpha-BuTX (1 microgram/ml) clearly inhibited both the total amount of fluorescence and the development of peak fluorescence density in the F-Ab stained myotubes. But the inhibition by D-TC appeared at the later day in culture than alpha-BuTX did. Low temperature (28 degrees C) and cholesterol (1 microgram/ml) treatment inhibited peak fluorescence density without affecting total amount of fluorescence. These results show that the development of ACh can be characterized both by clustering peak density (indicating the lateral mobility of AChR) and by total amount of fluorescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Shikada
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kimura M, Shikada K, Nojima H, Kimura I. Acetylcholine sensitivity in myotubes of nerve-muscle co-culture cultured with anti-muscle antibodies, alpha-bungarotoxin and D-tubocurarine. Int J Dev Neurosci 1986; 4:61-7. [PMID: 3455573 DOI: 10.1016/0736-5748(86)90017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BuTX), D-tubocurarine (D-TC) and antibodies against muscle extract on acetylcholine (ACh) sensitivity were investigated in developing mouse myotubes in a nerve-muscle co-culture. Antibodies clearly suppressed the ACh potential amplitude in adult mouse diaphragm muscle, but antibodies in muscle pre-treated with D-TC (1 microgram/ml) weakly suppressed it. The addition of D-TC to muscle extract dose-dependently inhibited the formation of the immunoprecipitation lines. The exposure of developing myotubes to antibodies for 10 days in culture suppressed both resting potential and ACh potential, whereas co-existence of alpha-BuTX (1 microgram/ml) or D-TC (0.1 mg/ml) with antibodies suppressed ACh potential but did not affect resting potential compared with antibodies alone. The ACh potentials in myotubes cultured with alpha-BuTX and D-TC alone were also suppressed. The appearance (day 8 in culture) of this suppressive effect by alpha-BuTX was faster than that (day 11 in culture) of D-TC. These different effects depending on the time in culture may account for the conformational change of developing ACh receptors to alpha-BuTX and D-TC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Kimura
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Acetylcholine mediates the transfer of information between neurons in the electric organ of, for example, Torpedo as well as in vertebrate skeletal muscle. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor complex translates the binding of acetylcholine into ion permeability changes. This leads to an action potential in the muscle fibre. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor protein has been purified from Torpedo by use of affinity chromatography. The receptor is an intrinsic membrane glycoprotein composed of five polypeptide chains. When various animals are immunised with the receptor they demonstrate clinical signs of severe muscle weakness coincident with high antibody titres in their sera. The symptoms resemble those found in the autoimmune neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis in humans. This animal model has constituted a unique model for studying autoimmune diseases. This paper reviews some of the work using Torpedo acetylcholine receptor in order to increase the understanding of the motor nervous system function and myasthenia gravis. It is now known that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor protein is the antigen involved in myasthenia gravis. The mechanism of immune damage involves a direct block of the receptor function. This depends on the presence of antibodies which crosslink the postsynaptic receptors leading to their degradation. The questions to be answered in the future are; (a) what initiates or triggers the autoimmune response, (b) how do the antibodies cause the symptoms--is there a steric hindrance of the interaction of acetylcholine and the receptor, (c) why is there not a strict relationship between antibody titre and severity of symptoms, and (d) why are some muscles affected and other spared? With help of the experimental model, answers to these questions may result in improved strategies for the treatment of the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Elfman L, Thornell LE, Heilbronn E. Morphological changes observed in rats immunized with the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor alpha-chain. J Neurol Sci 1983; 59:111-21. [PMID: 6602208 DOI: 10.1016/0022-510x(83)90085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Lewis rats were immunized with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) polypeptides purified from the electric tissue of Torpedo marmorata. Animals immunized with the acetylcholine binding, 41.500 daltons, polypeptide showed comparable fragmentation of the postsynaptic membrane and indications of rearrangement of the adjacent muscle fiber as earlier found in rabbits and rats immunized with the nAChR complex. Thus, these results demonstrate that the alpha-polypeptide chain carries all determinants necessary for onset of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis (EAMG).
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Recent years have seen considerable progress in understanding the nature of the molecular events involved in neuromuscular transmission. The acetylcholine receptor (AChR) has been purified to homogeneity and acetylcholine-induced ion transport has been reconstituted by incorporation of pure AChR into artificial membranes. Immunization against purified AChR induces a condition, clinically and physiologically similar to the human disease myasthenia gravis, which is due to circulating anti-AChR antibodies. This model, experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis, is proving useful for investigating the role of genetic factors in determining the immune response to AChRs and for testing various experimental approaches to specific treatment. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease in which there is loss of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Anti-AChR antibodies can be detected in the majority of patients and they cause loss of AChR by a variety of mechanisms. Anti-AChR antibody is heterogeneous and not restricted in idiotype. The role of the thymus in MG is still uncertain, but recent experiments implicate the presence of a cell type in MG thymus which may be involved in autosensitization to AChR.
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
|
17
|
Eldefrawi AT, Mansour NA, Eldefrawi ME. Insecticides affecting acetylcholine receptor interactions. Pharmacol Ther 1982; 16:45-65. [PMID: 6752971 DOI: 10.1016/0163-7258(82)90031-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
18
|
Lennon VA, Lambert EH. Monoclonal autoantibodies to acetylcholine receptors: evidence for a dominant idiotype and requirement of complement for pathogenicity. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1981; 377:77-96. [PMID: 6176167 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1981.tb33725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
An antigenic determinant of mammalian muscle acetylcholine receptors (AChR) remote from the ACh-binding site and exposed extracellularly at the neuromuscular junction has been defined by monoclonal autoantibodies (McAb's). The determinant is a dominant antigen in the rat's autoimmune response to AChR. It was defined by four IgG McAb's (from two individual donor rats) which shared a common idiotype (Id) complementary to the AChR determinant. These four McAb's bound to AChR in vivo and induced experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). They also bound to nonjunctional AChR on living myotubes in culture at 37 degrees and caused loss of alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BT) binding sites. The McAb's did not inhibit binding of alpha-BT to solubilized AChR or to nonjunctional AChR in membranes of muscle cells held at 4 degrees C. Impairment of neuromuscular transmission by the McAb's required activation of complement via the classical pathway. In the absence of C3 leads to C9, or in isolated deficiency of C4, binding of McAb's to at least 62% of AChR for 72 hours in vivo did not alter miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) or EPPs or reduce the muscle's content of AChR. The common Id was detectable in sera of rats immunized with AChR of either Torpedo, eel or syngeneic muscle. Anti-Id antibodies raised against 3 of the McAb's inhibited in vitro binding of each of the 4 McAb's to AChR; absorption of one anti-Id by a second McAb removed inhibitory activity for all McAb's. However, when rats with high titers of anti-Id were challenged by immunization with torpedo AChR, the severity of EAMG was undiminished despite a continuing excess of anti-Id antibodies. Success of the anti-Id approach to therapy of myasthenia gravis may require definition of several antigenic determinants of human muscle AChR with which patients' auto-antibodies interact in vivo.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mochly-Rosen D, Fuchs S. Monoclonal anti-acetylcholine-receptor antibodies directed against the cholinergic binding site. Biochemistry 1981; 20:5920-4. [PMID: 7295707 DOI: 10.1021/bi00523a041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We have isolated 32 hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica. One of these lines, designated 5.5.G.12, secretes antibodies which are directed against the cholinergic binding site of the acetylcholine receptor. This specific antibody blocked the binding of alpha-bungarotoxin to the acetylcholine receptor. The binding of monoclonal antibody 5.5.G.12 to acetylcholine receptor was inhibited by alpha-neurotoxins and by other cholinergic ligands in accordance with their affinities to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. None of the other monoclonal antibodies obtained inhibited the binding of alpha-bungarotoxin to acetylcholine receptor, nor was their binding to the acetylcholine receptor inhibited by cholinergic ligands. The monoclonal antibody elicited against the binding site of Torpedo acetylcholine receptor bound also to acetylcholine receptors of various species and organs, demonstrating the wide structural homology between the cholinergic sites of various acetylcholine receptors.
Collapse
|
20
|
Alemà S, Cull-Candy SG, Miledi R, Trautmann A. Properties of end-plate channels in rats immunized against acetylcholine receptors. J Physiol 1981; 311:251-66. [PMID: 6267252 PMCID: PMC1275408 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.1981.sp013583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Rats injected with purified acetylcholine receptors (AChR) extracted from electric organs of Torpedo marmorata showed clinical symptoms consistent with the development of experimental myasthenia gravis.2. Sera of rats with this disease contain high levels of anti-AChR antibodies. However, no simple correlation was found between antibody titre and miniature end-plate current (m.e.p.c.) amplitude.3. M.e.p.c.s. at the end-plates of rats injected with AChR (Anti-R), emulsified in complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA), were reduced to about one third the size of controls taken from rats injected only with CFA (Anti-CFA). Mean m.e.p.c. (Anti-R) = 0.73 +/- 0.06 nA; mean m.e.p.c. (Anti-CFA) = 2.43 +/- 0.12 nA (V(m) = -80 mV, T = 20 degrees C).4. The m.e.p.c. decay time constant, tau(m.e.p.c.), is similar at immunized and control rat end-plates. tau(m.e.p.c.) (Anti-R) = 1.32 +/- 0.06 msec; tau(m.e.p.c.) (Anti-CFA) = 1.31 +/- 0.06 msec (V(m) = -80 mV, T = 20 degrees C).5. The end-plate current decay time constant, tau(e.p.c.), is similar at immunized and control end-plates and in both cases depends exponentially on membrane potential. The change in membrane potential required to produce an e-fold change in tau(e.p.c.) is 102.0 +/- 5.72 mV at immunized (Anti-R) end-plates and 92.3 +/- 6.14 mV at control (Anti-CFA) end-plates at T = 10 degrees C.6. Acetylcholine noise was examined at immunized and control rat end-plates at 10 degrees C. Analysis of noise indicates that the single channel conductance, gamma, and mean channel life-time, tau(noise), are essentially unchanged by immunization against AChR. gamma (Anti-R) = 13.15 +/- 0.53 pS; gamma (Anti-CFA) = 12.50 +/- 0.50 pS; tau(noise) (Anti-R) = 2.9 +/- 0.18 msec; tau(noise) (Anti-CFA) = 2.68 +/- 0.14 msec (V(m) = -80 mV, T = 10 degrees C).7. Mean quantal content and Ca(2+) dependence of the end-plate potential are unchanged at immunized end-plates.8. It is concluded that at immunized end-plates the number of activated receptor-channel complexes is reduced without modification of single channel properties. In this respect the immunized rat end-plate is a good model for myasthenia gravis affected human end-plates.
Collapse
|
21
|
Lindstrom J, Einarson B, Tzartos S. Production and assay of antibodies to acetylcholine receptors. Methods Enzymol 1981; 74 Pt C:432-60. [PMID: 7321891 DOI: 10.1016/0076-6879(81)74031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
22
|
Tarrab-Hazdai R, Schmidt-Sole Y, Mochly-Rosen D, Fuchs S. Modification of acetylcholine receptor: chemical and immunological characterization of polyalanyl acetylcholine receptor. FEBS Lett 1980; 118:35-8. [PMID: 6157569 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(80)81212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
23
|
Abstract
Injection of animals with purified acetylcholine receptor in complete Freund's adjuvant causes development of antibodies which crossreact with receptors in muscle. The crossreacting antibodies impair neuromuscular transmission. Animals with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) are excellent models for studying the complex mechanisms by which the autoimmune response to receptor in myasthenia gravis causes muscle weakness. This review first briefly describes the discovery of EAMG. Then, to provide the necessary perspective, receptor structure and function and properties of anti-receptor antibodies are discussed, followed by a brief review of the pathological mechanisms in EAMG.
Collapse
|
24
|
Clementi F, Tronconi BC, Fumagalli G, Pedretti D, Brigonzi S. The use of antibodies in neuroscience. Effects of antibodies against acetylcholine receptor and acetylcholinesterase. PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 1980; 12:611-7. [PMID: 7403233 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-6989(80)80148-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
25
|
Ueno S, Kang J, Takeuchi H, Takahashi M, Tarui S. Experimental myasthenia gravis: isolation and quantitative assay of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody protein concentration in sera of rabbits immunized with Narke acetylcholine receptor. Exp Neurol 1980; 68:512-20. [PMID: 7379895 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4886(80)90105-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
26
|
Claudio T, Raftery MA. Inhibition of alpha-bungarotoxin binding to acetylcholine receptors by antisera from animals with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. JOURNAL OF SUPRAMOLECULAR STRUCTURE 1980; 14:267-79. [PMID: 6971372 DOI: 10.1002/jss.400140302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Conditions are described for an assay that allows the percent inhibition of alpha-bungarotoxin binding to acetylcholine receptors by antisera and monovalent antigen-binding fragments of antibody molecules (Fab) to be determined. Anti-Torpedo californica acetylcholine-receptor antisera, prepared in New Zealand White rabbits and Lewis rats, were tested for the ability to inhibit [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin binding to membrane-associated and detergent-solubilized T californica acetylcholine receptors. Similar inhibition studies were performed using rabbit antisera and antigen-binding fragments prepared against each of the four acetylcholine receptor subunits. Antisera and antigen-binding fragments prepared against intact receptor could inhibit a maximum of 50% of the alpha-bungarotoxin binding to solubilized receptor. The results using monovalent antigen-binding fragments indicated that the inhibition was not due to antibody-mediated aggregation of receptor molecules. Rabbits and rats immunized with receptor denatured by sodium dodecyl sulfate all produced antisera that could bind to nondenatured receptor, but none of these animals developed experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. These results suggest that the antigenic determinants present on acetylcholine receptors responsible for induction of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis are lost with sodium dodecyl sulfate denaturation. A strong correlation was also observed between the presence of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis in rats and rabbits and the ability of the antisera from these animals to inhibit 50% of alpha-bungarotoxin binding to solubilized acetylcholine receptors.
Collapse
|
27
|
|
28
|
Mihovilovic M, Martinez-Carrion M. Purification of high-affinity Fab fragments from experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis rabbits and their effect on isolated acetylcholine receptors. Biochemistry 1979; 18:4522-8. [PMID: 497153 DOI: 10.1021/bi00588a010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
29
|
Deutsch JW, Raftery MA. Polypeptide composition of acetylcholine receptor purified from teleost and elasmobranch electroplax membranes. Arch Biochem Biophys 1979; 197:503-15. [PMID: 507826 DOI: 10.1016/0003-9861(79)90274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
30
|
Bartfeld D, Fuchs S. Fractionation of antibodies to acetylcholine receptor according to antigenic specificity. FEBS Lett 1979; 105:303-6. [PMID: 90624 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(79)80635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
31
|
Eldefrawi ME, Copio DS, Hudson CS, Rash J, Mansour NA, Eldefrawi AT, Albuguergue EX. Effects of antibodies to Torpedo acetylcholine receptor on the acetylcholine receptor--ionic channel complex of Torpedo electroplax and rabbit intercostal muscle. Exp Neurol 1979; 64:428-44. [PMID: 428517 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4886(79)90281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
32
|
Ionophores and Ion Transport Across Natural Membranes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1979. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-152509-5.50011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
|
33
|
Nastuk WL, Niemi WD, Alexander JT, Chang HW, Nastuk MA. Myasthenia in frogs immunized against cholinergic-receptor protein. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 1979; 236:C53-7. [PMID: 219703 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.1979.236.1.c53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Frogs immunized with cholinergic-receptor protein developed myasthenia in 116--175 days. The muscular weakness was overcome by subcutaneous administration of 20 microgram of neostigmine. Electromyograms showed a decline in action potential amplitude during a 2-Hz train. Nerve stimulation evoked subthreshold end-plate potentials (EPPs) averaging 10.4 +/- 7.4 mV, but at many junctions no EPP was obtained. Miniature EPP amplitude had a modal value of 0.15 mV compared with 0.35 mV for the controls. The corresponding means were 0.24 +/- 0.23 mV and 0.48 +/- 0.23 mV. Microperfusion with edrophonium (5 mg/l) increased the amplitude of EPPs and miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPS). Postjunctional response tested with 20 muM carbamylcholine was 56% of control. Postjunctional response by carbamylcholine iontophoresis gave 19 +/- 22 mV/nC compared with 76 +/- 50 mV/nC for the controls. The data indicate that the neuromuscular transmission deficits in receptor-immunized frogs are mainly postsynaptic in origin, but there may be additional presynaptic contributions. This amphibian model of myasthenia gravis offers many opportunities and advantages in the study of receptor-immunized animals.
Collapse
|
34
|
Zurn AD, Fulpius BW. The role of humoral immunity in myasthenia gravis. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1979; 49:435-40. [PMID: 229518 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)64655-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
35
|
Molenaar PC, Polak RL, Miledi R, Alema S, Vincent A, Newsom-Davis J. Acetylcholine in intercostal muscle from myasthenia gravis patients and in rat diaphragm after blockade of acetylcholine receptors. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1979; 49:449-58. [PMID: 515442 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)64657-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
36
|
Lindstrom J. Autoimmune response to acetylcholine receptors in myasthenia gravis and its animal model. Adv Immunol 1979; 27:1-50. [PMID: 41416 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2776(08)60261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
37
|
Heilbronn E, Lefvert AK, Stålberg E. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies in the diagnosis of human and experimental myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 1978; 1:427-31. [PMID: 263985 DOI: 10.1002/mus.880010518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aspects of acetylcholine receptor immunology and circulating receptor antibodies are reviewed with regard to both human and experimental myasthenia gravis. Receptor antibodies that have negligible cross-reactivity with skeletal muscle receptor can nonetheless cause destruction of the postsynaptic motor endplate area. Antibodies to mammalian skeletal muscle receptor can bind in-situ receptors. Transfer of myasthenic IgG increases neurophysiologic symptoms in rabbits showing slight signs of experimental myasthenia gravis, suggesting a block of in-situ receptors. Determination of receptor antibodies using RIA tests and partially purified human skeletal muscle receptor has been evaluated in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. Ninety percent of Swedish myasthenic patients in one study were found to have receptor antibodies. A rough correlation has been found between antibody titer and the severity of disease. Immunosuppressive treatment and thymectomy decrease the titer. In patients with thymoma, high antibody titers remain. When taken together, antibody-titer determination and electrophysiologic tests--particularly single-fiber electromyography--are very valuable diagnostic tools.
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis, induced by immunization with solubilized acetylcholine receptors, has proven an excellent animal model for the study of myasthenia gravis. The role of the thymus in myasthenia gravis is not yet known. Its content of skeletal muscle elements and acetylcholine receptors and the presence of germinal centers in myasthenia gravis suggest that the thymus could be a site of autoimmunization. An effector role has not been demonstrated for T cells in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune or clinical myasthenia gravis, but helper T cells participate in the rat's autoantibody response to acetylcholine receptors. Antibodies and lymphocytes reactive with acetylcholine receptors are demonstrable in the peripheral blood of patients with myasthenia gravis and appear to be specific for this disease. Parallel studies of both experimental autoimmune and clinical myasthenia gravis have provided evidence for an autoimmune basis for the pathophysiology in myasthenia gravis. Antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies appear to play a central role in impairing neuromuscular transmission. Numerous antibody specificities have been described, but none seems to be directed at the acetylcholine binding site of the receptor. Addition of antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies to cultured muscle cells, in the absence of complement, causes redistribution of the receptors on the membranes of myotubes, accelerated receptor degradation, apparent impairment of ionophore function, and loss of sensitivity to acetylcholine. In vivo complement appears to be an important mediator of antiacetylcholine receptor antibody pathogenicity. Its presence is essential for the passive transfer of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis with antibodies. In muscle biopsy specimens from patients with myasthenia gravis, IgG and C3 have been demonstrated on the postsynaptic membrane and on degenerated fragments of membrane in the synaptic cleft. This suggests that complement activation in vivo is associated with focal lysis of the postsynaptic membrane. A causal relationship appears to exist between the binding of antibody to acetylcholine receptors, the reduction in muscle acetylcholine receptors, and impairment of neuromuscular transmission.
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Tsuji S. Ultracryotomy of nerve-electroplaque synapses for immunocytochemistry. JOURNAL OF NEUROCYTOLOGY 1978; 7:381-9. [PMID: 351146 DOI: 10.1007/bf01177000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In order to carry out ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of acetylcholinesterase at cholinergic synapses, ultrathin frozen sections of aldehyde-fixed electric organs of Electrophorus and Torpedo were obtained by a modified ultracryotome technique. Dry frozen sections, picked up with rabbit serum and negatively stained, revealed, in the postsynaptic regions of the neuro-electroplaque junction, the presence of numerous rod-like or pin-headed protrusions (30 X 40 A) attached perpendicularly at 60 A intervals to the hydrophobic lamina of the plasma membrane, forming a comb-like structure oriented toward the synaptic cleft. A possible correlation is suggested between this comb-like structure and the 'acetylcholine receptors' observed by other authors with high resolution electron microscopy either after classical preparative techniques or after freeze-etching, of the postsynaptic membrane of vertebrae cholinergic synapses.
Collapse
|
41
|
Conti-Tronconi BM, Morgutti M, Albizzati MG, Clementi F. Lymphocyte stimulation by acetylcholine receptor in polymyositis. J Neurol 1978; 217:281-6. [PMID: 75964 DOI: 10.1007/bf00312989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocytes of twenty-seven patients with polymyositis were incubated in vitro with cholinergic receptor rich membranes obtained from the electric organs of Torpedo Marmorata. Lymphocytes of polymyositic patients were slightly stimulated; positive responses were present mainly in patients affected from more than a year. Sensitization against the nicotinic cholinergic receptor may explain the occurrence of the myasthenic syndrome with polymyositis.
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
Lennon VA. Immunofluorescence Analysis of Surface Acetylcholine Receptors on Muscle: Modulation by Auto-Antibodies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1978. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4684-3096-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
|
44
|
Abstract
A review of our current knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis is presented, with particular emphasis on the immunological aspects of the disease. Part 1, published in this issue, deals with the clinical and genetic features of myasthenia gravis which led to the autoimmune theory of the etiology of this disease. Various theories in this field are reviewed, and recent advances in our knowledge of the acetylcholine receptor protein, and its immunology, are examined. Part 2, which will appear in the March/April issue, provides a review of the dysfunction of physiology, pharmacology, and structure of the neuromuscular junction in myasthenia gravis, and the part played by the autoimmune process.
Collapse
|
45
|
Smirnov VA, Ivanskii VI, Panyukov AN. Autoimmune response to injection of a protein preparation from bovine caudate nuclei into rabbits. Bull Exp Biol Med 1977. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00804818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
46
|
Bjerrum OJ. Immunochemical investigation of membrane proteins. A methodological survey with emphasis placed on immunoprecipitation in gels. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1977; 472:135-95. [PMID: 70223 DOI: 10.1016/0304-4157(77)90016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
47
|
Zurn AD, Fulpius BW. Study of two different subpopulations of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in a rabbit with experimental auto-immune myasthenia gravis. Eur J Immunol 1977; 7:529-32. [PMID: 902680 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830070807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Two different subpopulations of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were studied during the evolution of experimental autoimmune myasthenia in one rabbit immunized with Torpedo acetylcholine receptor. The results show that the subpopulation of antibodies directed against the toxin-binding site of the receptor might play a role in the appearance of the paralysis observed in this particular case.
Collapse
|
48
|
Claudio T, Raftery MA. Immunological comparison of acetylcholine receptors and their subunits from species of electric ray. Arch Biochem Biophys 1977; 181:484-9. [PMID: 71018 DOI: 10.1016/0003-9861(77)90254-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
49
|
Bartfeld D, Fuchs S. Immunological characterization of an irreversibly denatured acetylcholine receptor. FEBS Lett 1977; 77:214-8. [PMID: 558918 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(77)80237-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
50
|
Patrick J, McMillan J, Wolfson H, O'Brien JC. Acetylcholine receptor metabolism in a nonfusing muscle cell line. J Biol Chem 1977. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)71877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
|