HLA and acetylcholine receptor antibody in patients with myasthenia gravis]

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and acetylcholine receptor antibody (AchRab) titer in the serum assayed were in 106 and 100 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), respectively. 93 of the total patients had both HLA and AchRab assays. There is a strong association between HLA Bw46, Cx46 antigens and the patients with MG. The AchRab level in the patients with positive Bw46, Cx46 antigen is significantly lower than that of the patients with negative Bw46 Cx46 antigen. The geometric means (G) of AchRab were 2.99 and 4.74, respectively, P less than 0.05. From our study, We think the patients with MG could be divided into two groups, according to the clinical presentation, the AchRab level and the association with HLA Bw46, Cx46 antigens. The first group is that who present ocular muscular myasthenia, childhood or adolescence onset, lower level of AchRab titer and strong association with HLA Bw46 and Cx46. The second one is that who have general muscular myasthenia, adult onset, higher level of AchRab titer and no association with Bw46 and Cx46.