A new model of experimental auto-immune myasthenia gravis

Experimental auto-immune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) was observed in rabbits during the time course of immunization with an acetylcholine (ACh) conjugate: choline-glutaryl-protein. This synthesized antigenic determinant mimics the molecular structure of ACh. The presence of both anti-ACh and auto-anti-idiotypic antibodies was demonstrated. These latter antibodies recognized the ACh receptor, and could have been the triggering agents in this auto-immune condition. Clinical and electromyographic investigations confirmed the myasthenic symptomatology observed after immunization with the ACh conjugate.