Effects of prostaglandin E1 in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis

The effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a potent inhibitor of lymphocyte functions, were studied in rats immunized with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) to induce experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Daily injections of PGE1, 400 micrograms per day, prevented the development of acute EAMG, which is attributed to antibody-dependent, complement-mediated cytolysis. This was associated with suppression of delayed-type cutaneous hypersensitivity response to AChR. PGE1 did not prevent the subsequent onset of chronic EAMG, which reflects accelerated degradation of AChR by antibody and complement-mediated cell lysis in the postsynaptic membrane.