Question 2

(Essay)

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that results in muscle weakness caused by circulating antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors. People with the disease are treated with acetylcholinesterase (AChase) inhibitors or immunosuppressants. Why do AChase inhibitors work?

Answer

AChase breaks down and inactivates ACh once it is released into the synaptic cleft. In myasthenia gravis some of the receptors are blocked so increasing the amount of ACh in the cleft increases the probability that the transmitter can bind to the few receptors that are there.

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