Fluctuations of T- and B-cell subsets in basic protein-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in long-tailed macaques.
Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) by inoculation of autologous myelin basic protein (BP) in complete Freund's adjuvant. Natural killer (NK) cell activity and lymphocyte subsets detected by one- and two-color immunofluorescence were monitored longitudinally in these animals. A decrease in NK cell activity was detected at the onset of clinically defined disease. During the preclinical phase of EAE (5-7 days before the onset of clinical signs) the absolute number of T helper (CD4+) and T suppressor (CD8+) cells in the peripheral blood decreased significantly. Analysis of peripheral blood B cells revealed a selective depletion of IgD+ B cells and a corresponding increase in the number of IgD- B cells prior to and during the onset of clinical signs. Total B-cell numbers were not significantly different between EAE and normal groups. The increased proportion of IgD- B cells in BP-sensitized animals corresponded with the appearance of high titers of circulating anti-BP antibodies. Thus two-color analysis of B-cell subsets may be a sensitive indicator of B-cell activation and of abnormal immune status in EAE. Changes in lymphocyte subsets in macaques with EAE are compared with those in humans with multiple sclerosis.
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology; D002469:Cell Separation; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008252:Macaca fascicularis / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000276:immunology / Q000633:toxicity; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
D004676:Myelin Basic Protein