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Questions and Answers
What is the result of auto-antibodies binding to normal circulating IgG?
Which system is frequently affected in autoimmune diseases, in addition to the joints?
What is the purpose of corticosteroids in the treatment of autoimmune diseases?
What is the role of immunosuppressive drugs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases?
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What is elevated in routine laboratory tests for autoimmune diseases?
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What is the purpose of serological assays in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases?
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What is the best method for diagnosing localized autoimmune disorders?
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What is the definition of autoimmune diseases?
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What is a characteristic of organ-specific autoimmune diseases?
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What is the mechanism of autoimmune diseases involving direct cellular damage?
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What is an example of an organ-specific autoimmune disease mediated by direct cellular damage?
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What is the effect of autoantibodies in organ-specific autoimmune diseases mediated by stimulating or blocking auto-Abs?
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What is the result of the autoimmune attack on the pancreas in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus?
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What is the target of the immune response in organ-specific autoimmune diseases?
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What is the consequence of autoantibodies blocking hormone receptors in organ-specific autoimmune diseases?
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What is the difference between organ-specific autoimmune diseases and systemic autoimmune diseases?
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What is the primary mechanism by which auto-antibodies contribute to muscle weakness in Myasthenia Gravis?
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What is the typical age range and gender affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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What is the characteristic of auto-antibodies produced in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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What is the primary difference between Organ-Specific and Systemic autoimmune diseases?
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What is the result of the activation of complement by anti-AChR auto-antibodies in Myasthenia Gravis?
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What is the characteristic of the immune response in Systemic autoimmune diseases?
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What is the classic rheumatoid factor in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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What are the early signs of Myasthenia Gravis?
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Study Notes
Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases
- Mediated by stimulating or blocking auto-antibodies (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis)
- Auto-antibodies bind to acetylcholine receptors, blocking normal binding and inducing complement-mediated lysis of cells
- Results in progressive weakening of skeletal muscles
- Early signs: drooping eyelids, inability to retract corners of the mouth
Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
- Immune response directed towards a broad range of target antigens
- Involves multiple organs and tissues
- Reflects a general defect in immune regulation, resulting in hyperactive T cells and B cells
- Examples: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Common autoimmune disorder, affecting women from 40 to 60 years old
- Produces auto-antibodies called rheumatoid factors, reactive with Fc region of IgG
- Classic rheumatoid factor is an IgM antibody with that reactivity
- Immune complexes (Antigen-Antibody complex) form, leading to tissue damage
Classification of Autoimmune Diseases
- Divided into systemic and organ-specific or localized autoimmune disorders
Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases Mediated by Direct Cellular Damage
- Immune response directed towards a target antigen unique to a single organ or gland
- Cells of the target organ damaged directly by humoral or cell-mediated mechanisms
- Example: Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, caused by autoimmune attack on the pancreas, especially insulin-producing cells (beta cells)
Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases Mediated by Stimulating or Blocking Auto-Antibodies
- Auto-antibodies act as agonists, binding to hormone receptors, stimulating inappropriate activity
- Auto-antibodies act as antagonists, binding hormone receptors, blocking receptor function
- Examples: Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis
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Description
This quiz covers organ-specific autoimmune diseases, including Myasthenia Gravis (MG), its causes, symptoms, and effects on the body. Learn about the role of auto-antibodies in blocking acetylcholine receptors and inducing muscle weakening.
