The composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in three cases of polyneuritis equi.
Polyneuritis equi (PNE) is a rare neurological disease in the horse. Because of the suspicion in PNE of a T-lymphocyte mediated immune response against the myelin, the objective of this study was to determine the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in the involved nerves of 3 horses with PNE, studied retrospectively. T-lymphocytes were demonstrated in the lesions, which suggests a T-lymphocyte mediated immune response against myelin. In addition, the presence of B-lymphocytes indicated a local production of antibodies. More research, involving a prospective study, is needed to determine whether the T-lymphocytes are cytotoxic or T-helper lymphocytes.
van Galen
G
G
Department of Clinical Science, Equine Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Boulevard de Colonster 20, B41 Liege, Belgium.
Cassart
D
D
Sandersen
C
C
Delguste
C
C
Nollet
H
H
Amory
H
H
Ducatelle
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002420:Cauda Equina; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D006736:Horses; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*