Does thymus gland has a major role in the pathogenesis of Myasthenia Grevis
What evidence suggests that the thymus gland has a major role in the pathogenesis of Myasthenia Grevis?
• Removal of the thymus seems to improve Myasthenia Grevis in the majority of patients.
• The majority of patients with Myasthenia Grevis have an abnormal thymus, demonstrating either hyperplasia or thymoma.
• Thymic myoid cells express AChRs proximate to the site of T-lymphocyte maturation (which includes immune self-tolerance).
• AChRs in the thymic myoid cells in Myasthenia Grevis express the fetal gamma subunit, making them potential targets for antibody sensitization.
• Thymic B lymphocytes from patients with Myasthenia Grevis produce more anti-AChR antibodies than other antibodies.
• Thymic cells selectively increase the production of anti-ACh antibodies when added to myasthenic B lymphocytes in the laboratory.
• Myasthenia Grevis thymus tissue transplanted to immunodeficient mice produces anti-AChR antibodies, which deposit at skeletal muscle endplates.
