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Paramyxovirus-like structures in brains of multiple sclerosis patients
Abstract:
Twenty-four plaques obtained at autopsy from the brains of six patients with multiple sclerosis were examined under an electron microscope. Specimens for ultrastructural study were processed from the unfixed brain tissues at the time of autopsies. Intranuclear filaments with a diameter of 150 to 260 Angstroms of possibly two different types were seen in the macrophages and in unidentified mononuclear cells that were infiltrating the perivascular regions of four plaque areas from three patients. Intracytoplasmic reticular filaments with a diameter of 100 to 130 A were seen in the astrocytes and in unidentified cell processes in five plaques from three cases. A possible link between these intranuclear filaments and paramyxovirus is suggested.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed intranuclear and intracytoplasmic filaments in multiple sclerosis brain plaques. These findings suggest a potential link between these structures and paramyxovirus infection in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- The precise etiology of MS remains unknown, with viral infections being a suspected contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural morphology of brain plaques in multiple sclerosis patients.
- To identify potential cellular abnormalities or infectious agents within MS lesions.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy-obtained brain tissue from six multiple sclerosis patients was examined.
- Electron microscopy was utilized for ultrastructural analysis of plaque specimens processed from unfixed tissue.
Main Results:
- Intranuclear filaments (150-260 Å) were observed in macrophages and mononuclear cells within perivascular regions of four MS plaques.
- Intracytoplasmic reticular filaments (100-130 Å) were identified in astrocytes and unidentified cell processes in five MS plaques.
- Two distinct types of intranuclear filaments may be present.
Conclusions:
- The presence of intranuclear and intracytoplasmic filaments in MS plaques warrants further investigation.
- A potential association between these observed filaments and paramyxovirus is suggested.
- These ultrastructural findings may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.