Sequential antibodies to potassium channels and glutamic acid decarboxylase in neuromyotonia.

Journal article

A patient with thymoma-associated neuromyotonia and voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv1.2 and Kv1.6) antibodies by immunoprecipitation and rat brain immunolabeling was treated successfully with immunoadsorption and cyclophosphamide. Curiously, glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, absent at onset, appeared later. Stiff-person syndrome was absent, but fast blink reflex recovery suggested enhanced brainstem excitability. The range of antibodies produced in thymoma-associated neuromyotonia is richer, and the timing of antibody appearance more complex, than previously suspected.

Authors: Antozzi, C; Frassoni, C; Vincent, A; Regondi, M; Andreetta, F

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Neurology
• Volume: 64
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 1290-1293
• Publication date: 2005-04-01
• DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000156945.39471.2c
• EISSN: 1526-632X
• ISSN: 0028-3878
• Language: English
• Keywords: Brain Stem; Thymoma; Blinking; Isaacs Syndrome; Kv1.6 Potassium Channel; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; Treatment Outcome; Autoantibodies; Humans; Thymus Neoplasms; Glutamate Decarboxylase; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kv1.2 Potassium Channel; Immunosorbent Techniques; Cyclophosphamide; Male; Reflex, Abnormal; Animals; Adult; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System; Rats