Apoptotic cell death of T-lymphocytes in experimental autoimmune neuritis of the Lewis rat.
The present study describes apoptosis of T-lymphocytes in the sciatic nerve in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN), a T-cell mediated disorder of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Morphological signs characteristic for apoptotic cell death were found from day 4 onwards, peaking at day 7. Apoptosis of T-cells could be detected throughout the subsequent recovery period. In situ nick translation (ISNT) followed by immunocytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of DNA fragmentation in T-lymphocytes. We thus show for the first time that apoptosis is not a unique elimination mechanism of inflammatory T-cells in the central nervous system (CNS), but is operative in the PNS as well although at a lesser degree. Identifying the underlying mechanisms may provide a basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies in autoimmune disorders.
Department of Neurology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Würzburg, Germany.
U K
UK
Zettl
R
R
Gold
H P
HP
Hartung
K V
KV
Toyka
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D009444:Neuritis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors
D004247:DNA