Acetylcholine Receptor Ganglionic (Alpha 3) Antibody, Serum

a3-AChR Antibody; nAChR Ganglionic Neuronal Antibody

Acetylcholine Receptor Ganglionic (Alpha 3) Antibody

Serum

The G-nAChR autoantibody assay can be used to identify Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG) or paraneoplastic AAG in patients with autonomic neuropathy. Identification of paraneoplastic AAG in a patient is important, as there is an association between increased levels of G-nAChR antibodies and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) or thymoma. Detection of paraneoplastic AAG, followed by resection and/or treatment of the patients’ tumor, can lead to a successful patient recovery. The G-nAChR autoantibody assay can be used as a serological diagnostic tool to differentiate patients suffering from immmunotreatment-responsive AAG from idiopathic autonomic neuropathy. Both conditions can present as acquired Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) dysfunction characterized by diffuse autonomic nervous system failure. The demonstration of AAG can lead to a focused immunological treatment and successful patient recovery. The G-nAChR antibody assay can also identify patients with limited forms of dysmotility, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, or postural tachycardia syndrome.