title: Aquaporins, anti-aquaporin-4 autoantibodies and neuromyelitis optica.
abstract: The classification, distribution and functions of the different molecules of aquaporins (AQPs), including aquaporins, aquaglyceroporins and superaquaporins are reviewed together with their potential diagnostic and therapeutic uses. We analyzed the pathogenic importance of anti-AQP4 autoantibodies in neuromyelitis optica and related syndromes, as well as their diagnostic and predictive potential, prognosis, and monitoring of the disease. Finally, the analytical methods and current recommendations for testing anti-AQP4 autoantibodies in clinical practice are described.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, 41009 Sevilla, Spain.
authors.forename: Concepción
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: González-Buitrago
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Izquierdo
mesh_terms: D051397:Aquaglyceroporins / Q000276:immunology; D051401:Aquaporin 4 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D020346:Aquaporins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D051397:Aquaglyceroporins; D051401:Aquaporin 4; D020346:Aquaporins; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D014867:Water