Mitochondrial Antibody, PBC Screen (AMA)

Immunology

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Description

The liver antibody screen utilises a composite tissue block of mouse liver kidney and stomach to identify anti-nuclear antibodies, gastric parietal cell antibodies, anti- mitochondrial cell antibodies and liver kidney microsomal antibodies all of which can be used to assess liver disease. Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies (AMA) are strongly associated with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), although they can be seen in other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and chronic liver disease [1]. Different types of AMA are described, based on antigen specificity, designated on a numeric basis: M1 to M9. The AMA associated with PBC is usually M2a or M2b [1]. Not all can be typed by IIF.

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Indications

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC).

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Samples must be urgently transported to the laboratory. Requests from outside Sheffield: Please discuss transport requirements prior to requesting this test.

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Reference Range

Normal result = Negative.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Twice weekly

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References

Jones DE. Pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis. Clinics in liver disease. 2008. 12(2):305-321.
Bogdanos DP, Invernizzi P, Mackay IR. Autoimmune liver serology: current diagnostic and clinical challenges. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008. 14(21):3374-3387.
Muratori L, et al. Antimitochondrial antibodies and other antibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis; diagnostic and prognostic value. 2008. 12(2):261-276.
PRU Handbook of autoimmunity. 4th Edition. 2007. [Ref 1]
Wesierska-Gadek J, et al. Correlation of initial autoantibody profile and clinical outcome in primary biliary cirrhosis. Hepatology. 2006. 43(5):1135-1144.
Czaja AJ. Autoantibodies in autoimmune liver disease. Advance in Clinical Chemistry. 2005. 40:127-164.

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See Also

ANA; SMA; GPC

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