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Related Concept Videos

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

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...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

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: Pathophysiology01:22

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...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Chemical Synapses01:26

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 Synapses01:26

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...

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Updated: May 9, 2026

Engineering and Characterization of an Optogenetic Model of the Human Neuromuscular Junction
11:07

Engineering and Characterization of an Optogenetic Model of the Human Neuromuscular Junction

Published on: April 14, 2022

Myasthenia gravis: Five new things.

Jeffrey M Statland1, Emma Ciafaloni

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.

Neurology. Clinical Practice
|August 6, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder causing fluctuating muscle weakness. Advances in diagnosis and treatment, including new therapies and management strategies for crisis and pregnancy, offer improved patient outcomes.

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The Neuromuscular Junction: Measuring Synapse Size, Fragmentation and Changes in Synaptic Protein Density Using Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Engineering and Characterization of an Optogenetic Model of the Human Neuromuscular Junction
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The Neuromuscular Junction: Measuring Synapse Size, Fragmentation and Changes in Synaptic Protein Density Using Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
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Published on: December 26, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

  • Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a common autoimmune disorder impacting neuromuscular junctions.
  • It causes fluctuating muscle weakness, potentially leading to severe respiratory complications.
  • Antibody testing is a key diagnostic tool in most MG cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of myasthenia gravis.
  • To explore novel therapeutic strategies and diagnostic approaches.
  • To address specific challenges in MG management, including crisis, pregnancy, and receptor-specific antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on five key areas of MG research and clinical practice.
  • Analysis of comparative effectiveness of treatments like IV immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis.
  • Examination of clinical characteristics and diagnostic advancements for specific MG subtypes.

Main Results:

  • Comparative data on IV immunoglobulin versus plasmapheresis for myasthenic crisis and severe MG.
  • Insights into the clinical profile of patients with antibodies targeting muscle-specific tyrosine kinase.
  • Overview of established and emerging investigational treatments for MG.
  • Guidance on managing myasthenia gravis during pregnancy.
  • Updates on novel confirmatory diagnostic tests for MG.

Conclusions:

  • Significant progress has been made in understanding and treating myasthenia gravis.
  • Personalized treatment approaches are evolving, particularly for severe disease and specific antibody profiles.
  • Continued research is crucial for further improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in MG.