Autoimmunity may play a role in ALS. In this disease, the immune system becomes confused and begins attacking tissues in the body. Under normal conditions, the body's immune system produces proteins called immunoglobulins which attach to their target antigen. An antigen is a substance that produces an immune response and is usually something foreign to the body. The immunoglobulins attach to and surround the target antigen, forming an antigen-antibody complex. This complex is then ingested by phagocytes, such as macrophages, in a process called phagocytosis.

In autoimmune disease, antibodies are produced that attach to the tissues of the body, instead of foreign substances. The following are examples of diseases with an autoimmune basis:

In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body produces autoantibodies to red blood cell membrane proteins.

In diabetes mellitus, autoantibodies are formed against insulin receptors.

Graves 's disease is associated with autoantibodies to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors.

Pernicious anemia can be caused when autoantibodies are formed against intrinsic factor which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption.

Researchers have proposed that ALS may have an autoimmune basis. The following are the bases for their hypotheses:

Analyses of ALS patient sera have identified circulating antibodies secreted by denervated muscle. These antibodies inhibit the stimulation of the sprouting of axons, the long arms of neurons which conduct nervous impulses to other neurons throughout the body (Onion 1998).

Researchers have found an immunoglobulin that affects the conductance of neuronal voltage-activated calcium channels which may induce an excessive release of glutamate from nerve endings (Onion 1998).

Several studies of ALS patients found the presence of antibodies that interact with motor neurons (Pestronk et al. 1988a; Pestronk et al. 1988b; Pestronk et al. 1989; Niebroj-Dobosz et al. 1999).

Immune complexes have been found in spinal cords of patients with ALS.

It has been proposed that T cells, activated microglia, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) within the spinal cord lesions may be the primary event that leads to tissue destruction in ALS.

After the diagnosis of ALS has been confirmed, additional lab tests can be used to identify the predominant etiology and thus direct appropriate treatment. Additional labs would include:

A comprehensive detoxification profile
Oxidative stress analysis
Mineral analysis, including calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc
Toxin analysis, including heavy metals and chemicals
Amino acid analysis

Source: http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-008.shtml

Is ALS, Lou Gehrig's autoimmune?

"ALS is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease caused by the destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This causes the loss of nervous control of voluntary muscles, resulting in the degeneration and atrophy of the muscles. Eventually the respiratory muscles are affected which leads to death from an inability to breathe." lef.org research

6-18-05

Some definitions #

Immunoglobulin discussion by Gulf War Syndrome Vets

Maybe the levels are high ... because you are dealing with an autoimmune issue - not a virus

Maybe the levels drop too low ... because the immune system is 'wearing out' due to over activity for 10+ years