The relationship between anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody levels and neuromuscular function in chronically myasthenic rats.

Rats immunized with acetylcholine receptor protein (AChR) purified from Torpedo electric organ develop defects of neuromuscular function closely mimicking those of myasthenia gravis. These rats are easily fatigued, have reduced neuromuscular transmission, and high titers of anti-AChR antibody. Contrary to previous findings however, the present study finds a very good correlation between the development of the anti-rat AChR antibody levels and subsequent decreases in neuromuscular function in experimentally myasthenic animals. This result supports the hypothesis that anti-AChR antibody levels play a central role in development of experimental myasthenia. The relevance of these findings to the pathology of myasthenia gravis is considered.