Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...

Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade

Neuromuscular Junction And Blockade

The site of chemical communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber is called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The end of the motor neuron at the NMJ divides into a cluster of synaptic end bulbs. The cytoplasm of these bulbs consists of synaptic vesicles enclosing acetylcholine molecules, the principal neurotransmitter released at the NMJ. The region opposite the synaptic bulb that ends in the muscle fiber is called the motor end plate, which has acetylcholine receptors. Within the...

Chemical Synapses

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...

Chemical Synapses

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

The development of a magnetic resonance imaging index for fistulising Crohn's disease.

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·2017

Same author

GR gene polymorphism is associated with inter-subject variability in response to glucocorticoids in patients with myasthenia gravis.

European journal of neurology·2016

Same author

Blind-ending branch of a bifid ureter: multidetector CT imaging findings.

The British journal of radiology·2011

Same author

Capsular retraction: an uncommon imaging finding in hepatic inflammatory pseudotumour.

The British journal of radiology·2009

Same author

Incidence and mortality rates of myasthenia gravis and myasthenic crisis in US hospitals.

Neurology·2009

Same author

Recurrent critical illness myopathy in an asthmatic patient treated with corticosteroids.

Journal of clinical neuromuscular disease·2008

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality

Published on: August 6, 2017

Autoantibody Testing in Neuromuscular Disorders, Part II: Neuromuscular Junction, Hyperexcitability, and Muscle

H J Kaminski¹, C Santillan, G I Wolfe

¹From *Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University Hospital of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio; and daggerDepartment of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical school Dallas, Texas.

Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease

|December 17, 2008

Summary

Autoantibody testing aids diagnosis and prognosis in neuromuscular junction and skeletal muscle disorders. This review guides clinicians on interpreting autoantibody tests for myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, and inflammatory myopathies.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality

Published on: August 6, 2017

Area of Science:

Neurology
Immunology
Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

Autoantibodies are key in myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome pathogenesis.
Their role in inflammatory myopathies is less clear, often serving as autoimmunity markers.
Autoantibody testing is crucial for diagnosing and prognosing neuromuscular junction and skeletal muscle disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To review autoantibody testing methods.
To provide a clinician-friendly guide for autoantibody testing in specific neuromuscular and muscle diseases.
To clarify the role of autoantibodies in disease causation versus markers of autoimmunity.

Main Methods:

Literature review of autoantibody testing methodologies.
Synthesis of clinical information for a practical diagnostic guide.
Focus on neuromuscular junction disorders, hyperexcitability syndromes, and inflammatory muscle diseases.

Main Results:

Established utility of autoantibody testing in diagnosis and prognosis.
Differentiated the role of autoantibodies in various neuromuscular disorders.
Provided a structured approach for clinicians to interpret test results.

Conclusions:

Autoantibody testing is an indispensable tool in diagnosing and managing neuromuscular junction and skeletal muscle disorders.
Understanding autoantibody profiles aids in distinguishing between autoimmune and idiopathic conditions.
This review serves as a practical resource for clinicians managing patients with these complex conditions.