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. 1992 Apr;140(4):839–845.

Immunocytochemical characteristics of small cell lung carcinoma associated with the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

C S Morris 1, M M Esiri 1, A Marx 1, J Newsom-Davis 1
PMCID: PMC1886379  PMID: 1314026

Abstract

The Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is characterized by the presence of IgG antibodies to motor nerve terminals, and associates with small cell lung carcinoma in more than 60% of cases. We have carried out a comparative immunocytochemical study on small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) in five LEMS cases and six non-LEMS cases, using antibodies to tumor markers, MHC Class I and II, macrophages and lymphocytes. The authors found a reduced expression of the 200Kd neurofilament antigen and of MHC Class I antigens in the LEMS cases as well as a greater infiltration of activated macrophages. It is suggested that these findings are consistent with the view that SCLC antigenic determinants trigger the autoantibody response in SCLC-LEMS.

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Selected References

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