Abstract
Circulating autoantibodies directed against receptors of various autonomic neurotransmitters, including the muscarinic and nicotinic ganglionic acetylcholine-receptor and the beta-1-adrenergic receptor have been detected in patients with various autoimmune diseases. These antibodies have been hypothesised to have a direct influence on the function of the target organ, including exocrine glandular function, smooth muscle or myocardium contractility. The potential immune-mediated function-modifying interaction between the immune and the autonomic nervous system has inspired interesting experiments. These studies have explored unique pathways whereby autoantibodies may alter the cellular and tissue homeostasis leading to organ damage. The present review summarises these results, with particular focus on anti-muscarinic receptor antibodies in Sjögren's syndrome, and highlights the difficulties in the detection of anti-neurotransmitter receptor antibodies.
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