title: The neuromuscular junction. Part II: myasthenia gravis.
abstract: Myasthenia gravis is characterized by variable ocular and skeletal muscle weakness. Peak incidence is in young women and older men. Thymomas are present in 30 percent of myasthenic patients over age 40. Binding of acetylcholine receptors by IgG antibodies may be the mechanism of the neuromuscular disorder. Repetitive nerve stimulation (Jolly test), provocative tests with quinine or curare and the edrophonium test (cholinesterase inhibition) are the diagnostic maneuvers employed.
mesh_terms: D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000209:etiology; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003472:Curare; D004491:Edrophonium; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D011803:Quinine
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D004491:Edrophonium; D003472:Curare; D011803:Quinine