[Anti-Gm1 antibodies in motor system diseases and neuropathies]

Increased serum titers of antibodies against the ganglioside GM1 or its carbohydrate epitope Gal(B1-3)GalNAc have been associated with motor neuron disease, motor neuropathies with or without conduction block and sensorimotor neuropathies, whereas low level titers are part of the normal immune repertoire and are present in control groups and in neonatal blood. The target antigens of the antibodies are widely distributed and highly concentrated in the peripheral and central nervous system. The antibodies could damage neural tissue at several anatomic sites. Possible binding sites are the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and the nodes of Ranvier. Reduction of serum titers with chemotherapy or plasmapheresis can lead to clinical improvement.