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Objective: To investigate the effect of serum autoantibodies against the human M(2) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M(2)-receptors, Abs) from patients with congestive heart failure on L-Type Ca(2+) channel activity in guinea pig cardiac myocytes., Method: Using whole cell patch-clamp technique, we quantitatively measured the ionic intensity and density of L-Type Ca(2+) channel (I(Ca-L))., Results: The M(2)-receptors agonist (carbachol) could decrease the I(Ca-L) peak intensity and density stimulated by isoprenaline from (2111.65 +/- 203.13) pA and (18.83 +/- 1.14) pA/pF to (1230.87 +/- 208.14) pA (P < 0.01) and (10.72 +/- 1.06) pA/pF (P < 0.01). The serum Abs could also decrease I(Ca-L) peak intensity and density [from (1995.21 +/- 195.13) pA and (18.13 +/- 1.03) pA/pF to (636.42 +/- 110.07) pA (P < 0.01) and (5.54 +/- 0.81) pA/pF, P < 0.01]. The M(2)-receptors antagonist, atropine was able to block these effects of carbachol and Abs., Conclusions: The circulating serum autoantibodies against the M(2)-receptors has similar effect as M(2)-receptors agonist on decreasing the isoprenaline stimulated I(Ca-L) in guinea pig cardiac myocytes and possess negative inotropic effect. These results further suggest that serum autoantibodies against the human M(2) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors may participate in the pathophysiological processes in patients with heart failure.

Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-ovarian antibodies (AOA) on ovarian histology and functions., Methods: Rabbit antibodies against mice ovarian tissues were obtained by immunizing with mice ovarian extracts and purified. The effects of AOA on mice ovarian histology were examined under light and electronic microscope. In addition, changes of ovarian functions, including natural pregnant rate and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) + hCG induced ovulation rate and pregnant rate, were also observed., Results: After treating with different doses of AOA pathological changes occurred in a variety of ovarian components, especially in zona pellucida and granulosa cells, which is more serious in high AOA level group than that in low AOA level group. The natural pregnant rate decreased to zero in both AOA groups. The ovulation and pregnant rate induced by PMSG-hCG were significant lower in both AOA groups than that in the control group especially in the high AOA level group., Conclusion: AOA may damage the ovarian tissues and reduce the ovulation and pregnant rate. The higher the AOA level, the more serious pathological changes and the poorer curative effects of PMSG-hCG may occur.