IgG neuropathy: an immunoelectron microscopic study

J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 2005 May;64(5):386-90. doi: 10.1093/jnen/64.5.386.

Abstract

There are many potential mechanisms of peripheral nerve impairment by a monoclonal IgG dysglobulinemia. In this study, using electron microscopy, we observed widening of the myelin lamellae comparable to that commonly described in IgM neuropathies with antimyelin-associated glycoprotein activity. Such features have yet to be described in IgG neuropathies. In addition, we observed deposits of a granular material in the interstitial tissue of the nerve. By immunoelectron microscopy, we demonstrated the presence of the IgG in the lesions of myelin and the endoneurial space. A direct link between monoclonal dysglobulinemia (regardless of type) and polyneuropathy should be confirmed by nerve biopsy, because the result may influence treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelin Sheath / immunology
  • Myelin Sheath / ultrastructure
  • Polyneuropathies / blood
  • Polyneuropathies / immunology
  • Polyneuropathies / pathology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Immunoglobulin G