Quote:
Originally Posted by cait24
Alice, I was reading up on ACh receptors and I believe it said that ACH receptors were primary for skeletal muscle which we feel as our muscular weakness but also there was a smaller amount of Ach receptors for smooth muscle in the gut, gland secretion as well as in the (memory area) brain. So should it follow that MG might cause digestive and cognitive issues as well? Since it affects glandular secretions, is this why so many of us also have thyroid issues? I had a thyroid tumor removed several years ago.
Let me know what you think,
kathie
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There are different types of Achetyl choline receptors and also the effect of acetyl-choline is local. In classical MG there are antibodies which are directed against the AchR of the muscle specifically.
But, in some patients there are also antibodies directed against receptors in the autonomic nervous system.
I am not aware of antibodies directed at the AchR of the brain. But everything is possible.
I think the reason for the cognitive issues in MG is that the brain becomes preoccupied with how to perform simple daily tasks and therefore less capable of performing other functions.
If you have to "think" of how to breath, eat, drink, walk, read, write, pick up an object etc. you have less "thinking power" for other things.
I know that since I have MG, I am not capable of multi-tasking. I can either walk, or talk or think. Also, people who work with me have to adjust to my pace and not the other way around.