Expression of annexin-1 in multiple sclerosis plaques.
This study describes the distribution and identity of annexin-1 positive cells in the central nervous system in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Glucocorticoid-inducible, anti-inflammatory properties have been ascribed to annexin-1, a member of a family of calcium-binding proteins that are referred to collectively as annexins. We have found annexin-1 to be spatially associated with active MS lesions and demonstrated a stage-dependent expression of annexin-1 in MS plaques. All of the most important pathogenetically involved cells of MS lesions showed a strong annexin-1 reactivity. Both correlation analysis and double staining procedures suggested annexin-1 expression in macrophages and perivascular lymphocytes, where a cytoplasmic reactivity was displayed, whereas in activated, gemistocytic astrocytes it was also concentrated close to the plasma membrane. Although the exact roles of annexin-1 in this setting are still to be determined, a possible contribution to anti-inflammatory processes might be suggested.
Probst-Cousin
S
S
Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. stefan.probst-cousin@neuro.med.uni-erlangen.de
Kowolik
D
D
Kuchelmeister
K
K
Kayser
C
C
Neundörfer
B
B
Heuss
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017305:Annexin A1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D017305:Annexin A1