Which one of the following is an example of an autoimmune disease ?
MH SET - 2021, SET Exam - 2021,
Answer: D
The autoimmune disease is myasthenia gravis.
In myasthenia gravis the body makes antibodies against the acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junction (and in some patients against MuSK). The antibodies block and destroy the receptors, so nerve impulses fail to excite muscle fully, producing muscle weakness that worsens with use.
Parkinson's disease is a degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons of the substantia nigra, and Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease with amyloid plaques and tau tangles; neither is classed as autoimmune. Spasticity is a symptom, increased muscle tone from upper motor neuron damage, not a disease mechanism.
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