Alteration of T helper cell subsets in the optic nerve of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
The objective of this study was to detect interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3 (Foxp3) protein and gene expression of the optic nerve and to further explore the role of T helper cell subsets such as Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg in the pathogenesis of optic neuritis in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mice in C57BL/6 background were randomly divided into control and EAE groups. At days 11, 15 and 19 post-immunization, optic nerves were dissected for morphological study to detect IL-17, IFN-gamma and IL-4. Protein analysis was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for measuring the gene expression of IL-17, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and Foxp3. Concentrations of IL-17 protein in the optic nerve were significantly up-regulated at 11 days post-immunization, and IFN-gamma protein concentrations at 19 days. Concentrations of IL-4 protein in the optic nerve declined slightly in 19 days. mRNA expression of IL-17, IFN-gamma and IL-4 was consistent with their protein expression. Foxp3 mRNA transcription was down-regulated at 11-19 days post-immunization. Decreased expression of Foxp3 mRNA and Treg in the optic nerve may play a key role in the development of optic neuritis. IL-17 may mediate inflammatory pathogenicity at the early stage of optic neuritis, and IFN-gamma may aggravate inflammatory injury during the peak stage of optic neuritis.
Tian
A-Yong
AY
Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110001 Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China.
Zhang
Rong-Wei
RW
Shi
Xiao-Guang
XG
Yu
Hong-Mei
HM
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D007114:Immunization; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D018992:Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / Q000276:immunology; D063308:Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
D016207:Cytokines; C571327:Mog protein, mouse; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D018992:Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein; D063308:Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; D012333:RNA, Messenger