Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the early and peak phases of autoimmune neuritis in rat sciatic nerves.
To examine the involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in autoimmune disorders of the peripheral nerve system, we analyzed the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK protein in the sciatic nerves of Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN). Western blot analysis showed that phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) MAPK protein was significantly increased in the sciatic nerves of rats in the early and peak phases of EAN, and declined gradually thereafter. Immunohistochemistry showed that p-p38 MAPK levels were increased in the infiltrating inflammatory cells, including T cells and macrophages, as well as in blood vessels and some Schwann cells in EAN-affected sciatic nerves, as compared to the sciatic nerves of controls. Some inflammatory cells and a few Schwann cells were also positive for TUNEL reaction at the peak and recovery phases of EAN. In conclusion, we postulate that the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK is involved in the elimination of infiltrating inflammatory cells during the course of EAN and may possibly modulate recovery in autoimmune disorders of the peripheral nervous system.
Moon
Changjong
C
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cheju National University, Jeju 690-756, South Korea.
Ahn
Meejung
M
Kim
Heechul
H
Lee
Yongduk
Y
Koh
Chang Sung
CS
Matsumoto
Yoh
Y
Shin
Taekyun
T
D000818:Animals; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D009444:Neuritis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000201:enzymology*; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology*; D013997:Time Factors; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases