Antimitochondrial antibodies

What are Antimitochondrial antibodies

Autoantibodies the IMMUNE SYSTEM produces that attack the mitochondria within self cells. Mitochondria are the organelles (functional structures) within a cell that generate the energy the cell needs to carry out its activities. Antimitochondrial antibodies are proteins that bind with antigens (other proteins) on the inner walls of the mitochondria, blocking the ability of the mitochondria to convert oxygen to energy. The cell dies as a result.

A BLOOD test called the antimitochondrial ANTIBODY (AMA) titer detects and measures antimitochondrial antibodies in the blood circulation. Their presence indicates various AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS, notably PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS and PRIMARY SCLEROSING CHOLANGITIS, two conditions that damage the LIVER. Normally antimitochondrial antibodies are not present.

See also ANTIGEN; CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION; IMMUNE RESPONSE.

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