DIAGNOSTIC TEST 772

AMPA Receptor 1/2 Antibodies (IgG)

Diagnostic test for antibodies against AMPAR 1/2. For suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome.

Indication

Suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome

Sample material

Serum

  • Minim. volume: 0.5 mL

CSF

  • Minim. volume: 0.5 mL

Transport

Within Sweden

  • room temperature

International

  • cold

Method

Cell-based assay (CBA), Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF)

Reference interval

Serum
  • <1:10 negative

    • CSF

    • negative

    Result

    Results are reported as negative or positive. A positive result is followed by a titer (serum).

    Interpretation

    Antibodies against AMPA 1/2 receptors can be seen in paraneoplastic syndrome and classical autoimmune encephalitis, but cases of isolated psychoses have also been described. There are relatively few cases published, of which 90% have been women. Age at diagnosis has been 38-87 years (median 60 years). The antibodies have been associated with tumors (lung, breast, and thymoma) in 70% of the cases. Antibodies may occur together with other autoantibodies in around 60% of cases (antibodies against ANA, GAD-65, cardiolipin, VGCC, SOX1, CV2/CRMP5, and TPO).

    The AMPA receptors are included in the group of extracellular antigens. Generally, immunotherapy is more often effective in autoantibodies directed against extracellular antigens than in autoantibodies against intracellular antigens. Screening for cancer diagnosis is recommended.

    Antibodies against AMPA 1/2 receptor are graded as Intermediate-risk antibodies with a frequency of >50% of underlying cancer, and a positive result yields a 2-point PNS score according to Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes.

    References

    • Leypoldt F et al. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2015. Autoimmune encephalopathies. PMID: 25315420
    • Dalmau J et al. Physiol Rev. 2017. Autoantibodies to Synaptic Receptors and Neuronal Cell Surface Proteins in Autoimmune Diseases of the Central Nervous System. PMID: 28298428
    • Dalmau J et al. Lancet Neurol. 2019. An update on anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis for neurologists and psychiatrists: mechanisms and models. PMID: 31326280
    • Graus F et al. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2021. Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes. PMID: 34006622
    • Flanagan EP et al. JAMA Neurol. 2023. Autoimmune Encephalitis Misdiagnosis in Adults. PMID: 36441519

    Included in these panels

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    How to order

    This test is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

    1. Print and complete the request form

      Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician.

    2. Prepare your samples

      Serum: At least 0.5 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).
      CSF: At least 0.5 mL CSF (polypropylene tubes).

    3. Send samples and request form

      Within Sweden
      Samples can be sent at room temperature to:
      Envelopes and smaller boxes:
      Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden

      Larger boxes and frozen samples:
      Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

      International
      Send samples cold to:
      Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

    Read our sampling instructions for more information

    Last updated: 2025-08-18