Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): autoimmune disease of peripheral cholinergic synapses. Small-cell lung carcinoma in 60%; other tumors in 7%. Neurologic symptoms precede those of tumor.
Pathogenesis: antibodies against voltage-gated calcium channels in peripheral nerve terminals impair release of acetylcholine at nicotinic and muscarinic sites. Cells from associated lung cancer bear voltage-gated calcium channels displaying antigenic sites. LEMS-affected tumor-free individuals often have HLA-B8, DR3 haplotype.Related posts:
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