Special Precautions/Comments:

Method: Referred to Oxford University Hospital every day except Friday

Interferences: None known

Interpretation: Normal result = < 1000 BTU. Raised result = > 1000 BTU. BTU = Bülmann Titre Units, these are arbitrary units.

Additional Information:

Indication: Chronic sensory motor neuropathy

Background Information: Myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) is found in central and peripheral nervous system myelin. MAG appears on oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. The localisation of MAG in the peripheral region in myelin suggests that MAG may participate in neuron-glial cell interaction that leads to myelination. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that MAG antibodies may lead to demyelination. MAG antibodies are believed to be pathogenic [1]. IgM autoantibodies against MAG are found in sensory motor neuropathies and IgM paraprotein associated neuropathies. The determination of MAG antibodies helps to separate IgM associated neuropathies from other commonly acquired polyneuropathies (e.g. chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy). Both disorders may be slowly progressive and appear as a predominantly demyelinating neuropathy by electrophysiological and morphological studies. Also, both may have an elevated CSF protein concentration and may respond to immunosuppressive therapy. MAG antibodies have occasionally been found in multiple sclerosis and myesthenia gravis [2].

References: Steck AJ, Stalder AK and Renaud S. Anti-myelin associated glycoprotein neuropathy. Curr Opin Neurol. 2006. 19(5): 458-463. [Ref 1] Polman CH, Killestein J. Anti-myelin antibodies in multiple sclerosis; clinically useful? Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 2006. 176(1-2): 106-114. [Ref 2] Nobile-Orazio E, Marinella C. Neuropathy and monoclonal gammopathy. Curr. Opin. Neurology. 2001. 14(5):615-620. Nobile-Orazio E, et al. Frequency and clinical correlates of anti-neural IgM antibodies in neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy. Ann. Neurol. 1994. 36: 416-424

Telephone Gateshead Lab: 0191.4456499 Option 4, Option