Antibodies to Acetylcholine Receptors (AChR)
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies are autoantibodies produced by the immune system against the body's own structures, specifically acetylcholine receptors located at the neuromuscular junction.
Under normal conditions, nerve signals are transmitted to muscles through acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the surface of muscle cells and triggers muscle contraction.
When antibodies against these receptors are produced, this process becomes impaired:
- the efficiency of nerve impulse transmission decreases;
- muscle contraction becomes weaker or delayed;
- pathological fatigability develops.
As a result, characteristic symptoms appear, including muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves after rest.
Testing for acetylcholine receptor antibodies is the primary laboratory method for diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis, a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission.
The test helps identify the presence of an autoimmune process, confirm the diagnosis, and determine further diagnostic management.