Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0014070 (encephalomyelitis)
 13,017 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Nervous tissue expression of immunological signal and recognition molecules, as well as lymphoid tissue immune responses after facial nerve trauma was studied in male rats of the Lewis and Brown Norway (BN) strains. In both rat strains nerve transection caused within four days the appearance of IFN-gamma-like immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of axotomized motor neurons and an induction of MHC class I and II, and CD4 molecules on surrounding glial cells to a similar extent. T lymphocytes also infiltrated the facial nuclei ipsilateral to the axotomy in all animals. The number of autoreactive T cells in superficial cervical lymph nodes, which in response to whole myelin or peptides of myelin basic protein (MBP) secreted IFN-gamma increased markedly after axotomy. This response was more conspicuous in Lewis rats, which are susceptible to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), than in BN rats, which are EAE resistant. A proportion of the axotomized Lewis rats also developed widespread perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells in the CNS, reminiscent of EAE. Hypothetically, a strong expansion of myelin autoreactive IFN-gamma producing T cells secondary to nerve trauma may have immunopathological consequences in genetically predisposed individuals. It is also possible that myelin reactive T cells, whether recruited to the lesioned nerve, could have impact on macrophage function during Wallerian degeneration in the distal stump.
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PMID:Facial nerve transection causes expansion of myelin autoreactive T cells in regional lymph nodes and T cell homing to the facial nucleus. 128 78

Many cytokines must be considered as effector and immunoregulatory molecules in neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). We have studied the potential role of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the pathogenesis of these diseases, since this cytokine has a number of important effects such as macrophage activation, induction of MHC class I and class I antigens, and T cell homing. An immunospot assay that allows enumeration of single cells secreting IFN-gamma after short-term culture in vitro of mononuclear cell suspensions has been used. In EAE, increased numbers of IFN-gamma-secreting cells (IFN-gamma-sc) appear in the central nervous system shortly before onset of clinical signs. Such cells also increased during pharmacologically induced relapse of EAE. In later stages of EAE, memory T cells that produced IFN-gamma in response to presented antigen, recognized multiple regions of the myelin basic protein (MBP), showing that (i) myelin autoreactive T cells have the functional ability to produce this cytokine, (ii) the concept of immunodominance as to autoantigen peptide reactivity is non-absolute and time-dependent. In multiple sclerosis (MS) there are increased numbers of IFN-gamma-sc among the CSF cells. Also, there are increased numbers of memory T cells, strongly enriched to the cerebrospinal fluid, which upon recognition of several myelin antigens and several MBP peptide stretches, produce IFN-gamma. Taken together, the data are consistent with a role for IFN-gamma as a key mediator in inflammatory demyelinating diseases.
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PMID:Cytokines in neuroinflammatory disease: role of myelin autoreactive T cell production of interferon-gamma. 143 Jan 52

Recent studies from our laboratory have shown, for the first time, that a synthetic peptide from that TCR VB chain used preferentially by encephalitogenic T cells induced the formation of protective, MHC class I-restricted T cells and prevented the development of EAE in Lewis rats. In this report we 1) demonstrate that immunization with the TCR-VB8-39-59 peptide generated peptide-specific antibodies that protect against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced by either of the two distinct encephalitogenic epitopes of basic protein, and 2) characterize the production and biologic functions of rat and rabbit antibody responses to the TCR peptide. The antibodies in both species increased in titer over time, were highly specific for the immunogen by direct reaction and inhibition assays, stained only VB8+ T cells, and suppressed clinical signs and to lesser extent the number of histologic lesions of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mediated by VB8+ T cells. Coupled with our previous work, these results indicate that both humoral and cellular responses to the TCR-VB8-39-59 peptide can contribute independent immunoregulatory effects on encephalitogenic T lymphocytes that use common V region genes in response to epitopes of myelin basic protein.
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PMID:Antibodies specific for VB8 receptor peptide suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. 169 37

A common feature of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis in humans and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rodents is the marked elevation in the expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens in the involved sites. By specific targeting of a syngeneic MHC class I gene to oligodendrocytes, we have generated transgenic mice which not only exhibit severe involuntary tremors and develop tonic seizures but also show extensive demyelination in both the brain and the spinal cord. The fact that demyelination in these mice occurs in the absence of immune infiltration dismisses an autoimmune involvement but suggests that the MHC class I antigens play a direct role in inducing disease. Our findings lend support to the possibility that demyelinating diseases are induced by infectious agents such as viruses which can either directly activate MHC gene expression in oligodendroglia or indirectly activate expression through the release by reactive T cells of gamma interferon in the brain.
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PMID:Transgenic mouse model for central nervous system demyelination. 171 29

Embryonic brain tissue allografts under many circumstances survive transplantation into the brain. It is generally believed that such grafts will not survive if the host animal is systemically sensitized, by skin grafting or other means, to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens of the donor animal. We have found that F344 brain grafts survive in BN hosts even when the host is systemically sensitized to F344 tissue. Embryonic cerebral neocortex from F344 donors was transplanted into BN host rats (n = 95). Subsequently, the host rats were systemically sensitized with donor skin (n = 25), brain tissue (n = 41), or spleen cells (n = 6) and compared with a control group of rats consisting of allografts with no sensitization or sham procedures (n = 23). Rejection of the transplants in BN rat hosts was not provoked by any of the sensitization methods tested. Minor immunological responses that did not result in rejection were, however, present in many host animals. We did not observe infiltration of W3/13+ T cells and OX8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes in any of the groups. Nevertheless, substantial infiltrations of OX6+ antigen-presenting cells and W3/25+ helper T cells were present. There was also an extensive enhancement of MHC class I immunoreactivity in parts of the grafted tissue developing within the third ventricle, but not for the same type of graft in the lateral ventricle. This increase of MHC class I expression was not accompanied by infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. Our findings thus suggest that neural graft rejection depends on general genetic susceptibility to immune reactions, particularly experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and not only on disparity between donor and host antigens encoded by the MHC. Moreover, enhancement of MHC class I and class II expression within transplanted tissue does not predict graft rejection.
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PMID:BN rats do not reject F344 brain allografts even after systemic sensitization. 192 9

Borna disease is a virus-induced, immune-mediated encephalomyelitis based on a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. The severity of clinical symptoms after intracerebral infection of rats with Borna disease virus was reduced after treatment with transforming growth factor (TGF-beta 2). Intraperitoneal injection of the recombinant molecule, rTGF-beta 2, started on the day of infection at a dose of either 1 micrograms given every day or every other day for 8 consecutive days or 2 micrograms every third day, was found to result in the absence of typical Borna disease symptoms at 14 days after infection in most of the TGF-beta-treated rats, a time point at which all infected control animals not treated with rTGF-beta 2 showed distinct signs of Borna disease. The inhibition of the disease was paralleled by a significant reduction of the inflammatory reaction in the brain. However, the efficacy of treatment with rTGF-beta 2 was transient, because after day 21 only a slight or no reduction of the inflammatory reaction and, consequently, symptoms of Borna disease could be observed. Immunohistologic investigations revealed reduced CD4+ T cell numbers and no changes in macrophage counts in encephalitic lesions of rTG-beta treated rats. However, CD8+ cells were markedly decreased in the encephalitic lesions. Furthermore, the expression of MHC class II Ag was significantly reduced in the brain of rTGF-beta 2 treated Borna disease virus-infected rats, whereas MHC class I Ag expression was not. Most treated animals showed a reduction of Borna disease virus-specific serum antibodies, the result of an inhibition of the IgG response. The results presented here suggest a distinct influence of rTGF-beta 2 on T cell-mediated immune functions during the early phase of Borna disease virus-induced encephalomyelitis.
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PMID:Transforming growth factor-beta modulates T cell-mediated encephalitis caused by Borna disease virus. Pathogenic importance of CD8+ cells and suppression of antibody formation. 194 Mar 57

The effect of unilateral peripheral nerve lesions on the inflammatory response of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rat central nervous system (CNS) was studied. Immunostaining for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and T-cell subsets demonstrated that MHC class I expression was markedly enhanced in as well as around axotomized motor neurons and that MHC class II expression was induced on several cells, probably microglial cells, in close proximity to the axotomized motor neurons. There was also a pronounced increase in interleukin 2 receptor-positive lymphocytes as well as T-cells and the T-cell subsets on the injured as compared to the non-injured contralateral side. These effects were present particularly in the initial phase of EAE and persisted for several weeks. The results suggest that neurons may communicate immunoregulatory signals to their microenvironment and that retrograde axonal signals from the distant periphery may alter the immune response locally within the CNS.
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PMID:Local enhancement of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II expression and cell infiltration in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis around axotomized motor neurons. 278 5

Localization of bone marrow-originated cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of the rat was investigated by using bone marrow chimeras. In order to do this, Lewis rats which carry major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens haplotype 1 (RT1.Al) were reconstituted with (Lew X PVG)F1 (RT1.Al/c) bone marrow cells after lethal irradiation. Transferred bone marrow cells were detected by immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal antibody, OX27, specific for haplotype c of rat MHC class I antigens (RT1.Ac). The spleen and thymus of chimeric rats were fully reconstituted with transferred F1 cells 4 weeks after bone marrow transplantation. At this stage, mononuclear cells in the subarachnoid space of the CNS expressed OX27 antigen indicating that they were of bone marrow origin. A few OX27-positive blood cells were scattered in the CNS parenchyma 4-12 weeks after reconstitution. Ramified microglia, however, remained OX27-negative. Bone marrow-derived microglia were not observed throughout the period of examination until 24 weeks. In addition, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in chimeric rats in order to augment the expression of MHC class I antigens on microglia. Even under this condition, no OX27-positive microglia were observed. Taken together, ramified microglia might be of neuroectodermal origin and there is little possibility that the microglia are derived from the bone marrow. However, if the ramified microglia are derived from blood cells, the microglia may be expected to have characteristic cell kinetics from the following points: (1) the precursor cells of the microglia may enter the CNS only at the perinatal stage; and (2) even under the condition in which lymphocytes and macrophages enter the CNS as observed in EAE, the precursor cells of the microglia are not supplied from the blood.
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PMID:Absence of donor-type major histocompatibility complex class I antigen-bearing microglia in the rat central nervous system of radiation bone marrow chimeras. 331 71

To determine in situ localization of cells bearing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or II antigens in the central nervous system (CNS), immunohistochemical examination was performed on CNS sections of Lewis rats sensitized for experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Class I antigens identified by OX18 were detected on endothelial cells (EC) and cells with dendritic morphology (DC) of normal rats. OX18+ DC increased in number as the clinical signs of EAE became more severe, while the number of OX18+ EC in clinical EAE rats was not different from that of normal control rats. Infiltrating lymphocytes were always observed around OX18+ vessels. Double staining showed that OX18+ DC was negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Cells with morphological features of oligodendroglia were not detected with OX18 in both normal control and EAE rats. MHC class II antigens (Ia antigens) were detected using three MAbs: OX3, OX6 and OX17. These three different MAbs essentially showed the same staining pattern. In normal controls, mononuclear cells in the subarachnoid space were stained positively, but no Ia+ parenchymal cells were detected. In EAE rats, Ia+ DC were first detectable in the white matter of the spinal cord at the preclinical stage, and increased in number as the disease progressed. On the other hand, double-staining with OX6 and anti-factor VIII-related antigen antiserum, or with OX3 and anti-vimentin antiserum demonstrated that endothelial cells even with lymphocyte cuffing were negative for Ia antigens. Based on the data obtained in the present study, the possible role of MHC class I and II antigens in the development of EAE is discussed.
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PMID:In situ detection of class I and II major histocompatibility complex antigens in the rat central nervous system during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. An immunohistochemical study. 348 35

Mice infected with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-JHM) develop a demyelinating encephalomyelitis several weeks after infection. Astrogliosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells are prominent findings in the brains and spinal cords of infected mice. In this report, astrocytes in infected spinal cords were analyzed for expression of three pleiotropic cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6; Type 2 nitric oxide synthase (iNOS); and MHC class I and II antigen. The data show that all three cytokines and iNOS are expressed by astrocytes in chronically infected spinal cords. These activated astrocytes are localized to areas of virus infection and demyelination, although most of the astrocytes expressing these proteins are not MHV-infected. MHC class I and II antigen can be detected in these spinal cords as well, but not in cells with the typical morphology of astrocytes. TNF-alpha, IL-6, and iNOS are also evident in the brains of mice with MHV-induced acute encephalitis, but in marked contrast to the results obtained with the chronically infected mice, most of the cells expressing these cytokines or iNOS had the morphology of macrophages or other mononuclear cells and very few appeared to be astrocytes. Additionally, astrocytes and, most likely, oligodendrocytes are infected in the spinal cords of mice with chronic demyelination. These results are consistent with a role for both viral infection of glial cells and high localized levels of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in the demyelinating process in mice infected with MHV-JHM. They also show that analogously to the human demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis, astrocytes are a major cellular source for these cytokines in mice with chronic, but not acute disease.
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PMID:Activation of astrocytes in the spinal cord of mice chronically infected with a neurotropic coronavirus. 749 73


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