Tiff
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I once understood this but I can't seem to recall. If in myasthenia gravis, autoantibodies are acting against Ach receptors. Wouldn't that increase the amount of available Ach? Why use acteylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat. Wouldn't those also increase the available Ach? How does that help? 
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| hottie99
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http://www.answers.com/topic/myasthenia-gravis?ca...
The myasthenia antibodies interfere with this process by binding to specific sites on the surface of the muscles, the post-synaptic muscle membrane is distorted and simplified, having lost its normal folded shape. The most common antibodies are directed against the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR). ACh is released normally, but its effect on the post-synaptic membrane is reduced. The post-junctional membrane is less sensitive to applied ACh, and the probability that any nerve impulse will cause a muscle action potential is reduced.
Cholinesterase inhibitors result in increased ACh accumulation at the neuromuscular junction and prolongs its effect. These drugs cause considerable improvement in some patients and little to none in others. Pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon) and neostigmine bromide (Prostigmin) are the most commonly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors. No fixed dosage schedule suits all patients. The need for cholinesterase inhibitors varies from day to day and during the same day in response to infection, menstruation, emotional stress, and hot weather. Different muscles respond differently; with any dose, certain muscles become stronger, others do not change, and still others become weaker. Adverse effects of cholinesterase inhibitors include gastrointestinal complaints: queasiness, loose stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
hope that helps! i was confused there for a minute too, hehehe.. but can't get confused, exam tomorrow!! 
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| Tiff
Forum Guru
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Thanks hottie! Wishing you lots of luck tomorrow. Stay confident. 
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| hottie99
Forum Elite
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thx tiff, that is the plan so far... hehehee...
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| maoudoody
Forum Elite
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good luck
relax...relax and just relax
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