A passive haemagglutination test for the detection of anti-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibodies.

A detergent-solubilised membrane protein (the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) was coupled to red blood cells by the chromic chloride method. The bound receptor retained both antigenic activity and the ability to bind alpha neurotoxins. Coated cells were successfully used in a haemagglutination test to determine antibody titre and cross-reactivity of polyclonal and monoclonal anti-acetylcholine receptor antisera.