[Carcinomatous autonomic neuropathy and the autoantibodies in paraneoplastic neuropathy].

Abstract

Carcinomatous autonomic neuropathy is a syndrome of autonomic dysfunction associated with malignant neoplasm. It is most often associated with small-cell lung cancer. Auto-immune mechanism is suspected to underlie this syndrome. Among the symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, intestinal pseudo-obstruction is most frequently seen. The autonomic dysfunction often precedes the discovery of the cancer. Several autoantibodies have been reported in paraneoplastic neuropathies. Anti-Hu antibody, which was originally reported in paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy, has also been detected in some cases with autonomic failure. Anticarbohydrate antibody activity has been frequently shown in IgM M-proteins associated with peripheral neuropathies. These include anti-MAG, Po, and sulphated glucuronyl glycolipids in demyelinating neuropathy and anti-GM1 in motor dominant neuropathy or motor neuron disease. Further investigation should reveal more glycoconjugate antigens as targets of possible auto-immune attack in paraneoplastic neuropathies.

• Authors: S Kusunoki, I Kanazawa
• Journal: Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine (Nihon Rinsho) Vol. 50 Issue 4 Pg. 834-9 (Apr 1992) ISSN: 0047-1852 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 1320136 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Autoimmune Diseases (etiology)
• Autonomic Nervous System Diseases (etiology)
• Carbohydrate Sequence
• Carcinoma, Small Cell (complications)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (complications)
• Molecular Sequence Data
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes (complications)