True epithelial hyperplasia in the thymus of early-onset myasthenia gravis patients: implications for immunopathogenesis

J Neuroimmunol. 2001 Jan 1;112(1-2):163-73. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5728(00)00415-x.

Abstract

The early-onset myasthenia gravis (EOMG) thymus shows characteristic medullary epithelial bands (MEB), greatly expanded perivascular infiltrates and fenestrations of the intervening basement membranes. We now compare epithelial expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and many integrins in EOMG and control samples. The main differences are striking/consistent thickening (in MEB) of what is normally a monolayer of perivascular epithelium, with focal protrusion into the infiltrates. This evidently hyperplastic epithelial subpopulation also strongly expresses EGFR and certain integrins. We suggest that its enhanced interactions with the locally increased extracellular matrix protein deposits may play an important role in autosensitization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cell Movement
  • Child
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • ErbB Receptors / analysis
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Integrins / analysis
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis / etiology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / pathology*
  • Phenotype
  • Thymus Gland / chemistry
  • Thymus Gland / pathology*

Substances

  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Integrins
  • ErbB Receptors