Myasthenia Gravis Research Paper

Myasthenia Gravis is considered an “autoimmune neuromuscular disease” that is categorized by the different amounts of weakness of the skeletal muscles in the body. The cause of Myasthenia Gravis is a flaw in the transmission of the nerve impulses to the muscles in the body. When normal communication between nerves and muscles are distributed at the neuromuscular junction, Myasthenia Gravis occurs. In normal humans, when an impulse travels down a nerve, the nerve then releases a neurotransmitter known as Acetylcholine, which then binds to Acetylcholine receptors and are then activated and are then able to create a muscle contraction. However, in people with Myasthenia Gravis, antibodies are able to stop, change or even destroy the receptors …show more content…
The disease is neither contagious or genetic and it mostly affects men who are over 60 or women who are under 40. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has recently been doing a lot of research regarding Myasthenia Gravis. For example, a more timely and accurate diagnoses for the disease has been discovered, ss well as new therapies which have improved management of the disorder. Scientists also have an overall better comprehension of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction, the basic characteristics of the thymus, of autoimmunity in general and of the myasthenia gravis. Many kinds of drugs are being investigated and tested to see if they are successful in treating myasthenia gravis. Scientists are also further investigating the molecular basis of synaptic transmission. The goal is to learn more about the purpose of receptors and to use the new found information to further the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Blood sampling is used in a different study to determine if one’s immune system is making antibodies that fight against parts of muscles and nerves. Stem cell transplantation is even being researched to treat extreme cases of myasthenia