Neuronal Ab (Hu, Yo, Ri, Amphiphysin, CV2, PNMA2)

Neuronal antibodies (Ab) are a group of specific proteins that our immune system produces in response to certain abnormalities within the nervous system. IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade offers sophisticated tests for detecting these antibodies, using the latest technologies that ensure accurate and reliable results.

What are Neuronal Ab (Hu, Yo, Ri, Amphiphysin, CV2, PNMA2)?

Neuronal antibodies (Hu, Yo, Ri, Amphiphysin, CV2, PNMA2) are proteins that our immune system produces in response to certain abnormalities or diseases of the nervous system. These antibodies are often detected in patients with paraneoplastic syndromes—a group of rare disorders that result from an immune response to cancer.

Types of neuronal antibodies and their connection to diseases

Analysis of neuronal antibodies is a complex diagnostic method used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the body. These antibodies are Hu, Yo, Ri, Amphiphysin, CV2, and PNMA2. Each of these antibodies can be associated with certain types of cancer and neurological symptoms:

• Hu antibodies: Most commonly associated with small cell lung carcinoma, but can also be present in other types of cancer, such as neuroblastoma. These antibodies can cause neurological symptoms, such as paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis and sensory-neuronal neuropathy.
• Yo antibodies: Associated with gynecological cancers, including ovarian carcinoma, as well as with breast cancers. Individuals with these antibodies can develop paraneoplastic cerebellar degenerative syndrome, a condition that can cause severe coordination and balance issues.
• Ri antibodies: Typically associated with breast and lung cancer. Neurological symptoms that can develop in individuals with these antibodies include opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, paraneoplastic encephalitis, and ataxia.
• Amphiphysin antibodies: These antibodies are most commonly associated with breast cancer but can also be present in small-cell lung carcinoma. Individuals with these antibodies can develop Stiff-Person syndrome, a rare condition that causes muscle stiffness and spasms.
• CV2 antibodies: These are usually found in patients with small-cell lung carcinoma but can also be present in lymphoma. They can be associated with various paraneoplastic syndromes, including limbic encephalitis and cerebellar ataxia.
• PNMA2 (Ma2/Ta) antibodies: These antibodies are typically associated with testicular tumors, such as teratoma and lung cancer. They can be associated with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis and sometimes with encephalomyelitis.

When is it necessary to perform a test for Neuronal Ab?

Testing for Neuronal Ab is recommended if the patient exhibits symptoms indicative of a paraneoplastic syndrome, which may include neurological symptoms such as:

• loss of balance
• changes in mental state
• speech difficulties
• loss of muscle strength

How are the results interpreted?

A positive result for any of the antibodies may indicate the presence of certain forms of cancer, although results must be interpreted in the context of other clinical findings. A negative result does not necessarily exclude the possibility of a paraneoplastic syndrome, especially if symptoms are present.