Clinical Autonomic Research

, Volume 11, Issue 3, pp 145–154 | Cite as

Autonomic dysfunction in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Review Article
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Accepted:

Abstract

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle wakness and autonomic dysfunction. Recentex vivo andin vitro studies demonstrate that autoantibodies to the P/Q-subtype of voltage-gated calcium channel inhibit transmitter release from parasympathetic, sympathetic, and enteric neurons, a mechanism likely to underlie the widespread autonomic dysfunction in LEMS. This review summarizes clinical studies characterizing the autonomic symptoms and signs in LEMS and the effectiveness of treatment in alleviating these symptoms. Serological logical assays andin vitro pharmacologic and electrophysilogical studies are also discussed.

Key words

autoantibody calcium channel enteric nervous system sympathetic parasympathetic paraneoplastic transmitter release 
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Copyright information

© Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2001

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Immunology, Allergy and ArthritisFilinders Medical CentreBedford ParkAustralia

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