Chin Med J (Taipei) 1998;61:S153.

Serum Anti-GM1 Antibodies in Chinese Patients with Motor Neuron Disease

Ching-Piao Tsai

Associate Professor Neurological Center. Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.

Abstract

For detection of GM1 antibody titer in Chinese patient, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was using. Serum from 180 individuals in whom 52 cases with motor neuron disease, 38 patients with peripheral neuropathy, 30 cases with other immunological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS),SLE etc 30 cases from physical check-up department as normal control, their serum were examined for IgM anti-GM1 antibodies. Patients with MND had stastistically significant higher levels of IgM anti-GM1 antibodies compared to the norma group (62% VS 7%). 62%(32/52) of the patients with MND had significant anti-GM1 antibodies among them 83%(25/30) with prominent lower motor neuron signs and 32%(7/22) with mainly upper motor neuron signs These results suggest that anti-GM1 antibodies had similar distribution in Chinese patients with MND as well as in Caucasian people and may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of motor neuron disease.

[Chin Med J (Taipei) 1998;61:S153.]