Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: ClC4

Title: Interaction of synaptotagmin with voltage gated calcium channels: a role in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome?

Authors: P David, N Martin-Moutot, C Leveque, O El Far, M Takahashi, M J Seagar

Journal, date & volume: Neuromuscul. Disord., 1993 Sep-Nov , 3, 451-4

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8186692

Abstract
Plasma from patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), an autoimmune disease of neuromuscular transmission, contains antibodies that bind to the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin. Synaptotagmin associates with calcium channels and appears to regulate synaptic vesicle docking at the plasma membrane prior to rapid neurotransmitter release. Autoantibodies directed against a synaptotagmin-calcium channel complex may be involved in the etiology of LEMS. In the majority of patients LEMS is associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We have detected the expression of proteins of the secretory pathway, including synaptotagmin, syntaxin and N-type calcium channels, in a panel of SCLC tumor lines. These observations are compatible with the hypothesis that the initial autoimmune response in LEMS is triggered by the tumor.