Final answer:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition where antibodies block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness. Pyridostigmine treats the symptoms by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels to improve muscle function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerve-muscle junction. This condition is characterized by the production of antibodies that block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, which impairs the ability of nerve cells to communicate with muscles, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.
Pyridostigmine is a medication used to treat symptoms of myasthenia gravis. It works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. By limiting the enzyme's action, pyridostigmine increases the concentration of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, improving neuromuscular transmission and helping to alleviate muscle weakness.
Patient management may include drugs like pyridostigmine, that maintain higher levels of acetylcholine, to counteract the diminished receptor function. Myasthenia gravis is more common in women, starting typically between ages 20 and 40, with initial symptoms like drooping eyelids, progressing to more severe muscle weakness and potential myasthenia crises.