Ganglionic Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody Unit Converter

This test measures autoantibodies directed against the alpha-3 (α3) subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors found in autonomic ganglia. These receptors are responsible for transmitting signals throughout the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate, digestion, sweating, and bladder function.

When these antibodies are present, they can disrupt communication between nerve cells in autonomic ganglia, leading to widespread autonomic dysfunction. This test is distinct from muscle acetylcholine receptor antibodies used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, as it targets a different receptor subtype found specifically in the autonomic nervous system.

Results are reported in nmol/L, with levels above 0.02 nmol/L considered positive. Higher antibody levels generally correlate with more severe autonomic failure.

Ganglionic acetylcholine receptors are located at synapses throughout the peripheral autonomic ganglia, including sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric ganglia. The antibodies against these receptors are autoantibodies produced by the immune system, sometimes triggered by an underlying cancer that expresses similar receptor proteins.