![]() ![]() Antibodies against another protein, called lipoprotein-related protein 4 (LRP4), can play a part in the development of this condition. Antibodies against this protein can lead to myasthenia gravis. This protein is involved in forming the nerve-muscle junction. With fewer receptor sites available, your muscles receive fewer nerve signals, resulting in weakness.Īntibodies can also block the function of a protein called muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (TIE-roh-seen KIE-nays), sometimes referred to as MuSK. In myasthenia gravis, your immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy many of your muscles' receptor sites for a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (as-uh-teel-KOH-leen). ![]() Your nerves communicate with your muscles by releasing chemicals (neurotransmitters) that fit precisely into receptor sites on the muscle cells at the nerve-muscle junction. ![]() In myasthenia gravis, certain receptor sites are blocked or destroyed, causing muscle weakness. Talk to your doctor if you have difficulty:Ĭhemicals messengers, called neurotransmitters, fit precisely into receptor sites on your muscle cells. Weak neck muscles make it hard to hold up your head. Weakness in your legs can affect how you walk. Myasthenia gravis can also cause weakness in your neck, arms and legs. For example, your smile might look like a snarl. The muscles used for chewing might tire halfway through a meal, particularly if you've been eating something hard to chew, such as steak. In some cases, liquids you're trying to swallow come out your nose. You might choke easily, making it difficult to eat, drink or take pills. Your speech might sound soft or nasal, depending on which muscles have been affected. In about 15% of people with myasthenia gravis, the first symptoms involve face and throat muscles, which can:
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