Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) Antibodies, Serum

Myelin thickness plays a role in optimising axon calibre, which is crucial to the electrical properties (conduction properties) of neurones. Autoantibodies of the IgM class against Myelin Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) are found in a large proportion of patients with Paraproteinaemic Polyneuropathies (PPN). Anti-MAG PPN is a slowly progressive disease with distally pronounced loss of sensory and motor functions. The main pathological features of Anti-MAG PPN are demyelinating lesions and deposits of autoantibodies that result in a widening of the outer myelin lamellae and changing the ultra structure of the remaining myelin sheaths. Peripheral polyneuropathy is found in about 5% of patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia.

This test is useful in the diagnosis of Paraproteinaemic Polyneuropathies. Markedly elevated levels are seen predominantly in demyelinating sensori-motor neuropathies, whereas moderately elevated levels have been reported in multiple sclerosis, inflammatory neuropathies, and motor neurone disease.

1 ml Serum Room Temperature

Avoid haemolysed or lipemic samples

Negative < 1/10 Titer