Anti-mitochondrial antibody

Anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are autoantibodies, consisting of immunoglobulins formed against mitochondria, primarily the mitochondria in cells of the liver.

The presence of AMA in the blood or serum of a person may be indicative of the presence of, or the potential to develop, the autoimmune disease primary biliary cholangitis (PBC; previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis). PBC causes scarring of liver tissue, confined primarily to the bile duct drainage system. AMA is present in about 95% of cases. PBC is seen primarily in middle-aged women, and in those afflicted with other autoimmune diseases.