Detailed analysis of early immunopathologic events during lesion formation in acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
To investigate early immunopathologic events, SJL/J mice were challenged for acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and sampled between 12 hr and 14 days postinoculation (PI). Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-inoculated mice served as controls. T cells, T cell subsets, Class II major histocompatibility (MHC) antigen (Ia)-positive and immunoglobulin (Ig)-positive cells, albumin and Ig deposits, and myelin antigens were localized in frozen sections of central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS tissue (heart, liver, kidney) by immunocytochemical techniques. In both experimental groups, a few Ia-positive endothelial cells and low-grade diffuse infiltration by T cells, T cell subsets, and Ia+ and Ig+ cells were seen from 12 hr PI onward in CNS and non-CNS tissue. Only in acute EAE but not in CFA-challenged mice were these early changes followed at 10 days PI by extensive inflammation which was restricted to the CNS and was accompanied by Ia-positive astrocytes. Thus, in acute EAE, immunopathologic changes appear to develop in two stages. During the early low-grade generalized phase, recirculation of lymphocytes is moderately enhanced while during the late phase, extensive immunopathology is focused upon the target organ, the CNS.
Traugott
U
U
Department of Pathology and Neurology, Rose F. Kennedy Center for Research in Mental Retardation and Human Development, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York 10461.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D004727:Endothelium / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005620:Freund's Adjuvant; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D051379:Mice; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification
D000418:Albumins; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D005620:Freund's Adjuvant