Serum factor in Miller-Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome and neurotransmitter release

Roberts, M., Vincent, A., Newsom-Davis, J. and Willison, H.J. (1994) Serum factor in Miller-Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome and neurotransmitter release. Lancet, 343(8895), pp. 454-5. (doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(94)92694-8)

Abstract

Serum IgG autoantibodies to GQ1b ganglioside are associated with the acute phase of the Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS). We investigated the effects of three anti-GQ1b-positive MFS sera in the mouse phrenic-nerve/diaphragm preparation. Miniature endplate potential frequencies increased eight-fold within 25 min, declined rapidly, and ceased altogether after 3 h, when nerve stimulation no longer evoked a response. One MFS convalescent serum (anti-GQ1b negative) and sera from healthy controls and from patients with other neurological diseases were without effect. Thus muscle weakness in MFS may be caused by a serum factor, likely to be GQ1b antibody, that leads to failure of acetylcholine release from motor nerve terminals.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Willison, Professor Hugh
• Authors: Roberts, M., Vincent, A., Newsom-Davis, J., and Willison, H.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Lancet
• Publisher: The Lancet Publishing Group
• ISSN: 0140-6736
• ISSN (Online): 1474-547X