Myasthenia gravis
A) involves a low production of acetylcholine.
B) is best treated by chemicals such as soman.
C) involves an autoimmune process that blocks acetylcholine receptors.
D) should be treated by neostigmine because it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease where antibodies attack acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. This results in inadequate acetylcholine reception and a lack of nerve impulses to muscles, causing muscle weakness. Chemicals such as soman should not be used as treatment because they are nerve agents that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine accumulation and resulting in peripheral and central nervous system symptoms. Neostigmine is often used as treatment because it blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase, leading to an increase in acetylcholine concentration and improving neuromuscular transmission. It does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

Myasthenia Gravis