title: Myelin-specific autoantibodies associated with central nervous system demyelination in canine distemper virus infection.
abstract: Sera from dogs with spontaneously occurring and experimentally produced canine distemper virus-associated demyelinating encephalitis were examined for antibodies to central nervous system myelin by the complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescent methods. Complement-fixing immunoglobulin M antibodies and non-complement-fixing immunoglobulin G antibodies were found in 97% of the spontaneous cases. In comparison, only 28% of control sera contained these antibodies; furthermore, mean antibody titers in the control groups were significantly lower (P < 0.005) when compared to the distemper group. Complement-fixing antimyelin antibodies were also demonstrated in gnotobiotic dogs with experimentally induced distemper virus-associated demyelination. The antibody response could be correlated with clinicopathological features of the disease produced. Results of this study indicate that demyelination in canine distemper may proceed by immune mechanisms.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange; D003168:Complement Fixation Tests; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D004216:Distemper / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D007106:Immune Sera; D008623:Mercaptoethanol; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009186:Myelin Sheath; D011817:Rabbits / Q000276:immunology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007106:Immune Sera; D008623:Mercaptoethanol