Effect of T-cell depletion on bacterial multiplication and pattern of nerve damage in M. leprae-infected mice.
Various mechanisms for nerve damage in tuberculoid leprosy have been proposed. A common feature amongst them is the crucial role played by T-cells. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the role of T-cells in the induction of nerve damage in leprosy using two different protocols for obtaining graded levels of T-cell depletion: (i) Cyclosporine A, for depletion of T-helper cells and (ii) Anti Thy 1.2, for total depletion of T-cells. The findings indicate that the early changes seen in the unmyelinated fibres may not involve T-cells. However, the later stages of nerve damage associated with demyelination are dependent on T-cell responses.
Shetty
V P
VP
Foundation for Medical Research, Bombay.
Mistry
N F
NF
Birdi
T J
TJ
Antia
N H
NH
D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D007918:Leprosy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000254:growth & development*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*
D007518:Isoantibodies; C035678:anti-Thy antibody; D016572:Cyclosporine