Recoverin IgG antibodies

Determination of IgG antibodies to rhequerin is used in the diagnosis of paraneoplastic retinopathy. This is damage to the of the retina accompanying certain cancers, caused by the the production of antibodies. In the course of cancers such as small cell lung cancer, endometrial cancer, thymoma or prostate cancer a protein - rhekoverin - may be produced. It is a protein that binds calcium in the retina. The body does not recognize the protein produced by the cancer and produces antibodies against it, which damage the retina, causing necrosis of photoreceptors and, as a consequence consequent visual impairment leading to permanent blindness Usually paraneoplastic retinopathy occurs before the detection of a cancer, so it is important in the diagnosis of undetermined retinopathy the determination of antibodies to rhekoverin.