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Mignan T, Targett M, Lowrie M. Classification of myasthenia gravis and congenital myasthenic syndromes in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1707-1717. [PMID: 32668077 PMCID: PMC7517852 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia, a syndrome of impaired neuromuscular transmission, occurs as either an acquired or congenital condition. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disorder with autoantibodies against the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of skeletal muscle whereas congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are a clinically heterogeneous group of genetic disorders affecting the NMJ with a young age of onset. Both conditions are diseases for which recognition is important with regard to treatment and outcome. We review the published literature on MG and CMSs in dogs and cats, and by comparison with published classification used in humans, propose a classification system for MG and CMSs in dogs and cats. Myasthenia gravis is first classified based on focal, generalized, or acute fulminating presentation. It then is subclassified according to the autoimmune disease mechanism or seronegativity. Autoimmune disease mechanism relates to the presence or absence of a thymoma, or administration of thiourylene medication in cats. Congenital myasthenic syndromes are classified according to the affected NMJ component, the mechanism of the defect of neuromuscular transmission, the affected protein, and ultimately the mutated gene responsible. In proposing this categorization of MG and CMSs, we hope to aid recognition of the disease groups for both conditions, as well as guide treatment, refine prognosis, and provide a framework for additional studies of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mike Targett
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
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Blakey TJ, Michaels JR, Guo LT, Hodshon AJ, Shelton GD. Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome in a Mixed Breed Dog. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:173. [PMID: 29090216 PMCID: PMC5650981 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 6-month-old, male, intact mixed breed dog was presented for a 3-month history of progressive generalized weakness. Neurologic examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis, weakness of the head and neck, and decreased withdrawal reflexes in all limbs consistent with a generalized neuromuscular disorder. Electromyography and motor nerve conduction velocity were normal. Repetitive nerve stimulation showed a decremental response of the compound muscle action potential with improvement upon intravenous administration of edrophonium chloride. The serum acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody titer was within reference range. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was unremarkable. A presumptive diagnosis of post-synaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) was made. Treatment with pyridostigmine bromide was initiated with titrated increases in dosage resulting in an incomplete improvement in clinical signs. The dog was euthanized 2 months after initiation of treatment due to poor quality of life. Immunostaining for localization of antibodies against end-plate proteins in muscle biopsies was negative. Immunofluorescence staining for AChRs in external intercostal muscle biopsies showed absence of AChRs and biochemical quantitation showed a markedly decreased concentration of AChRs with no detectable AChR-bound autoantibody which confirmed the diagnosis of a CMS. Evaluation for the CHRNE mutation previously identified as the causative mutation of CMS in Jack Russell Terriers was performed and was negative. This is the first reported confirmed case of CMS in a mixed breed dog and provides a review of typical clinical and diagnostic findings as well as treatment considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Blakey
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer R Michaels
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, LaJolla, CA, United States
| | - Amy J Hodshon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, LaJolla, CA, United States
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Rinz CJ, Lennon VA, James F, Thoreson JB, Tsai KL, Starr-Moss AN, Humphries HD, Guo LT, Palmer AC, Clark LA, Shelton GD. A CHRNE frameshift mutation causes congenital myasthenic syndrome in young Jack Russell Terriers. Neuromuscul Disord 2015; 25:921-7. [PMID: 26429099 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are a group of rare genetic disorders of the neuromuscular junction resulting in structural or functional causes of fatigable weakness that usually begins early in life. Mutations in pre-synaptic, synaptic and post-synaptic proteins have been demonstrated in human cases, with more than half involving aberrations in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunits. CMS was first recognized in dogs in 1974 as an autosomal recessive trait in Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs). A deficiency of junctional AChRs was demonstrated. Here we characterize a CMS in 2 contemporary cases of JRT littermates with classic clinical and electromyographic findings, and immunochemical confirmation of an approximately 90% reduction in AChR protein content. Loci encoding the 5 AChR subunits were evaluated using microsatellite markers, and CHRNB1 and CHRNE were identified as candidate genes. Sequences of the splice sites and exons of both genes revealed a single base insertion in exon 7 of CHRNE that predicts a frameshift mutation and a premature stop codon. We further demonstrated this pathogenic mutation in CHRNE in archival tissues from unrelated JRTs studied 34 years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin J Rinz
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Vanda A Lennon
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Immunology and Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Fiona James
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - James B Thoreson
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Immunology and Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kate L Tsai
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Alison N Starr-Moss
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - H Dale Humphries
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0709, USA
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0709, USA
| | - Anthony C Palmer
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Leigh Anne Clark
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0709, USA.
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Abitbol M, Hitte C, Bossé P, Blanchard-Gutton N, Thomas A, Martignat L, Blot S, Tiret L. A COLQ Missense Mutation in Sphynx and Devon Rex Cats with Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137019. [PMID: 26327126 PMCID: PMC4556666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by skeletal muscle weakness, fatigability and variable electromyographic or muscular histopathological features has been described in the two related Sphynx and Devon Rex cat breeds (Felis catus). Collection of data from two affected Sphynx cats and their relatives pointed out a single disease candidate region on feline chromosome C2, identified following a genome-wide SNP-based homozygosity mapping strategy. In that region, we further identified COLQ (collagen-like tail subunit of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase) as a good candidate gene, since COLQ mutations were identified in affected humans and dogs with endplate acetylcholinesterase deficiency leading to a synaptic form of congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). A homozygous c.1190G>A missense variant located in exon 15 of COLQ, leading to a C397Y substitution, was identified in the two affected cats. C397 is a highly-conserved residue from the C-terminal domain of the protein; its mutation was previously shown to produce CMS in humans, and here we confirmed in an affected Sphynx cat that it induces a loss of acetylcholinesterase clustering at the neuromuscular junction. Segregation of the c.1190G>A variant was 100% consistent with the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of the disorder in our cat pedigree; in addition, an affected, unrelated Devon Rex cat recruited thereafter was also homozygous for the variant. Genotyping of a panel of 333 cats from 14 breeds failed to identify a single carrier in non-Sphynx and non-Devon Rex cats. Finally, the percentage of healthy carriers in a European subpanel of 81 genotyped Sphynx cats was estimated to be low (3.7%) and 14 control Devon Rex cats were genotyped as wild-type individuals. Altogether, these results strongly support that the neuromuscular disorder reported in Sphynx and Devon Rex breeds is a CMS caused by a unique c.1190G>A missense mutation, presumably transmitted through a founder effect, which strictly and slightly disseminated in these two breeds. The presently available DNA test will help owners avoid matings at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Abitbol
- Inserm, IMRB U955-E10, 94000, Créteil, France
- Université Paris Est, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, & Faculté de médecine, 94000, Créteil, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang, 94017, Créteil, France
- APHP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy & Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires GNMH, 94000 Créteil, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Christophe Hitte
- Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes IGDR, UMR6290 CNRS—Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Philippe Bossé
- Inserm, IMRB U955-E10, 94000, Créteil, France
- Université Paris Est, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, & Faculté de médecine, 94000, Créteil, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang, 94017, Créteil, France
- APHP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy & Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires GNMH, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Nicolas Blanchard-Gutton
- Inserm, IMRB U955-E10, 94000, Créteil, France
- Université Paris Est, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, & Faculté de médecine, 94000, Créteil, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang, 94017, Créteil, France
- APHP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy & Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires GNMH, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Anne Thomas
- Antagene, Animal Genetics Laboratory, La Tour de Salvagny, France
| | - Lionel Martignat
- ONIRIS, UP Sécurité Sanitaire en Biotechnologies de la Reproduction, Nantes, France
| | - Stéphane Blot
- Inserm, IMRB U955-E10, 94000, Créteil, France
- Université Paris Est, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, & Faculté de médecine, 94000, Créteil, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang, 94017, Créteil, France
- APHP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy & Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires GNMH, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Laurent Tiret
- Inserm, IMRB U955-E10, 94000, Créteil, France
- Université Paris Est, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, & Faculté de médecine, 94000, Créteil, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang, 94017, Créteil, France
- APHP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy & Centre de référence des maladies neuromusculaires GNMH, 94000 Créteil, France
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Rinz CJ, Levine J, Minor KM, Humphries HD, Lara R, Starr-Moss AN, Guo LT, Williams DC, Shelton GD, Clark LA. A COLQ missense mutation in Labrador Retrievers having congenital myasthenic syndrome. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106425. [PMID: 25166616 PMCID: PMC4148433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are heterogeneous neuromuscular disorders characterized by skeletal muscle weakness caused by disruption of signal transmission across the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). CMSs are rarely encountered in veterinary medicine, and causative mutations have only been identified in Old Danish Pointing Dogs and Brahman cattle to date. Herein, we characterize a novel CMS in 2 Labrador Retriever littermates with an early onset of marked generalized muscle weakness. Because the sire and dam share 2 recent common ancestors, CMS is likely the result of recessive alleles inherited identical by descent (IBD). Genome-wide SNP profiles generated from the Illumina HD array for 9 nuclear family members were used to determine genomic inheritance patterns in chromosomal regions encompassing 18 functional candidate genes. SNP haplotypes spanning 3 genes were consistent with autosomal recessive transmission, and microsatellite data showed that only the segment encompassing COLQ was inherited IBD. COLQ encodes the collagenous tail of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for termination of signal transduction in the NMJ. Sequences from COLQ revealed a variant in exon 14 (c.1010T>C) that results in the substitution of a conserved amino acid (I337T) within the C-terminal domain. Both affected puppies were homozygous for this variant, and 16 relatives were heterozygous, while 288 unrelated Labrador Retrievers and 112 dogs of other breeds were wild-type. A recent study in which 2 human CMS patients were found to be homozygous for an identical COLQ mutation (c.1010T>C; I337T) provides further evidence that this mutation is pathogenic. This report describes the first COLQ mutation in canine CMS and demonstrates the utility of SNP profiles from nuclear family members for the identification of private mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin J. Rinz
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Levine
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Katie M. Minor
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Hammon D. Humphries
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Renee Lara
- Kingdom Animal Hospital, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alison N. Starr-Moss
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ling T. Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - D. Colette Williams
- R. Prichard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - G. Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GDS); (LAC)
| | - Leigh Anne Clark
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GDS); (LAC)
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O'Brien DP, Leeb T. DNA testing in neurologic diseases. J Vet Intern Med 2014; 28:1186-98. [PMID: 24962505 PMCID: PMC4857950 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA testing is available for a growing number of hereditary diseases in neurology and other specialties. In addition to guiding breeding decisions, DNA tests are important tools in the diagnosis of diseases, particularly in conditions for which clinical signs are relatively nonspecific. DNA testing also can provide valuable insight into the risk of hereditary disease when decisions about treating comorbidities are being made. Advances in technology and bioinformatics will make broad screening for potential disease-causing mutations available soon. As DNA tests come into more common use, it is critical that clinicians understand the proper application and interpretation of these test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P O'Brien
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
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Schenk HC, Krampfl K, Baumgärtner W, Tipold A. Canine muscle cell culture and consecutive patch-clamp measurements - a new approach to characterize muscular diseases in dogs. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:227. [PMID: 23171640 PMCID: PMC3539935 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recognition of functional muscular disorders, (e.g. channelopathies like Myotonia) is rising in veterinary neurology. Morphologic (e.g. histology) and even genetic based studies in these diseases are not able to elucidate the functional pathomechanism. As there is a deficit of knowledge and skills considering this special task, the aim of the current pilot study was to develop a canine muscle cell culture system derived from muscle biopsies of healthy client-owned dogs, which allows sampling of the biopsies under working conditions in the daily veterinary practise. RESULTS Muscular biopsies from 16 dogs of different age and breed were taken during standard surgical procedures and were stored for one to three days at 4°C in a transport medium in order to simulate shipping conditions. Afterwards biopsies were professionally processed, including harvesting of satellite cells, inducing their proliferation, differentiating them into myotubes and recultivating myotubes after long-term storage in liquid nitrogen. Myogenic origin of cultured cells was determined by immunofluorescence, immunohistology and by their typical morphology after inducing differentiation. Subsequent to the differentiation into myotubes feasibility of patch-clamp recordings of voltage gated ion channels was successfully. CONCLUSION We have developed a canine muscle cell culture system, which allows sampling of biopsies from young and old dogs of different breeds under practical conditions. Patch clamp measurements can be carried out with the cultured myotubes demonstrating potential of these cells as source for functional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Christian Schenk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
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Khorzad R, Whelan M, Sisson A, Shelton GD. Myasthenia gravis in dogs with an emphasis on treatment and critical care management. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2011; 21:193-208. [PMID: 21631705 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00636.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the human and veterinary literature on the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) and describe treatment options for clinical use in people and animals. DATA SOURCES Human and veterinary clinical reports, studies and reviews, textbooks, and recent research findings in MG from 1996 present, with a focus on treatment and patient management. HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS MG is a well-described condition in people with new research and treatment options available. Many of the newest therapeutic options available in veterinary medicine for MG are based on current strategies used in people with this condition. Seronegative MG is well described in people and provides insight to clinical cases encountered in veterinary medicine when the index of suspicion is high though serologic tests are negative. VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS Previous studies in veterinary medicine focused on the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors as the main form of treatment in canine MG. Recent studies, mainly case series and case reports, emphasize the use of immunomodulatory treatments as an alternative for long-term treatment. However, there are no randomized, controlled studies on treatment with immunomodulatory therapy for MG in dogs available to assess the efficacy of this treatment strategy. CONCLUSIONS Although early recognition of clinical signs is most important in the outcome of patients with MG, further understanding the pathophysiology of MG may lead to earlier diagnosis and novel treatment strategies. The discovery of additional autoantibodies against striated muscle proteins in dogs, should enhance our understanding of diseases affecting the neuromuscular junction. In addition, clinical data for canine MG could be applied to other autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna Khorzad
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA 02130, USA
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Stepaniuk K, Legendre L, Watson S. Acquired myasthenia gravis associated with oral sarcoma in a dog. J Vet Dent 2011; 28:242-9. [PMID: 22416624 DOI: 10.1177/089875641102800405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acquired myasthenia gravis is a common neuromuscular disorder resulting from autoantibody directed against the post-synaptic acetylcholine nicotinic receptors in skeletal muscle. Myasthenia gravis has been reported previously as a paraneoplastic syndrome. This case report presents myasthenia gravis secondary to an oral sarcoma in a juvenile Mastiffdog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Stepaniuk
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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Couturier J, Huynh M, Boussarie D, Cauzinille L, Shelton GD. Autoimmune myasthenia gravis in a ferret. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010; 235:1462-6. [PMID: 20001782 DOI: 10.2460/javma.235.12.1462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 7-month-old neutered male ferret was evaluated for episodic pelvic limb weakness of 2 weeks' duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS Neurologic examination revealed flaccid tetraparesis with decreased spinal reflexes suggestive of a neuromuscular disease. Results of hematologic and CSF analyses, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography were unremarkable. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed subtle spontaneous activity localized to pelvic limb interosseous muscles, unremarkable motor nerve conduction velocities, and lower than typical compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude for tibial nerve stimulation only. A severe decremental response of the CMAP was detected with repetitive nerve stimulation (45.5% at the third ulnar nerve). An esophagogram revealed mild megaesophagus. Intravenous neostigmine methylsulfate administration resulted in immediate resolution of muscle weakness. Cross-reacting anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies were detected in serum (0.35 nmol/L) by use of a canine- and feline-specific muscle extract. Clinical signs and ancillary test results were diagnostic of acquired myasthenia gravis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Pyridostigmine bromide was administered (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h), resulting in complete remission of clinical signs. However, 1 month after the diagnosis, the ferret was euthanized because of recurrence of weakness despite anticholinesterase treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of acquired myasthenia gravis in a ferret and the first identification of anti-AChR antibodies in this species. Autoimmune myasthenia gravis should be considered in ferrets when weakness and flaccid paresis suggest a neuromuscular disease. Electrodiagnostic testing, anticholinesterase challenge, and AChR antibody titer determination were helpful for diagnosis of this condition.
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Proschowsky HF, Flagstad A, Cirera S, Joergensen CB, Fredholm M. Identification of a mutation in the CHAT gene of Old Danish Pointing Dogs affected with congenital myasthenic syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 98:539-43. [PMID: 17586598 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esm026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The presence of a recessive inherited muscle disease in Old Danish Pointing Dogs has been well known for years. Comparisons of this disease with myasthenic diseases of other dog breeds and humans have pointed toward a defect in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine possibly due to decreased activity of the enzyme choline acetyltransferase. We sequenced exons 5-18 of the gene encoding choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) in 2 affected and 2 unaffected dogs and identified a G to A missense mutation in exon 6. The mutation causes a valine to methionine substitution and segregates in agreement with the inheritance of the disease. The mutation was not detected in 50 dogs representing 25 other dog breeds. A DNA test has been developed and is now available to the breeders of Old Danish Pointing Dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Friis Proschowsky
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, Groennegaardsvej 3, the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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