Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Antibodies

Immunology

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Description

Voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies in small-cell lung carcinomas may initiate autoimmunity in the paraneoplastic neuromuscular disorder Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). It has been found that the P/Q-type of voltage-gated calcium channel is expressed by some small-cell lung carcinomas. When antibodies are directed towards voltage-gated calcium channels, the muscle weakness associated with LEMS is observed [1,2]. VGCC antibodies should be looked for in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) associated with small cell lung carcinomas, even if there are no symptoms of LEMS as other paraneoplastic neurological conditions, such as cerebellar ataxia, have been found to have positive calcium channel antibodies [2].

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Indications

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mLYellow tube or 6mL Red tube) or 2mL plasma EDTA. Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

<45pM is negative.50 - 100pM are low positive results.>100pM is positive.

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Turnaround Time

Within 8 weeks

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Testing Frequency

Weekly (Send away test).

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References

Wirtz PW, et al. P/Q-type calcium channel antibodies, Lambe Eaton Myasthenic syndrome and survival in small cell lung carcinoma. Journal of Neuroimmunology. 2005. 164; 161-165. [Ref 1]Lennon VA, et al. Calcium-channel antibodies in the Lambert Eaton syndrome and other paraneoplastic syndromes. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1995. 332; 1467-1474. [Ref 2]

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See Also

Voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies

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