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Neuropathology of immunosuppression
T W Smith1, U De Girolami, W F Hickey
1Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655.
Brain Pathology (Zurich, Switzerland)
|July 1, 1992
Summary
The brain, usually protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), becomes vulnerable to infections and other disorders when immunosuppression compromises immune defenses. This review examines neuropathology in acquired and inherited immunosuppression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuropathology
- Immunology
Background:
- The brain is traditionally considered immunologically privileged due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- The BBB normally restricts immune cell and molecule entry into the brain parenchyma.
- Pathological conditions can compromise the BBB, allowing immune cell infiltration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuropathologic aspects of conditions arising in immunosuppressed individuals.
- To explore the impact of acquired and inherited immunosuppression on brain health.
- To discuss infectious, neoplastic, vascular, and metabolic brain disorders in this context.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuropathology in immunosuppression.
- Analysis of infectious, neoplastic, vascular, and metabolic disorders.
- Consideration of complications from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and transplantation.
Main Results:
- Immunosuppression can lead to increased susceptibility to brain infections.
- Neoplastic, vascular, and metabolic disorders present unique neuropathologic features in immunosuppressed states.
- Complications from medical treatments in immunosuppressed patients are also discussed.
Conclusions:
- Immunosuppression significantly alters the brain's susceptibility to various pathologies.
- Understanding these neuropathologic changes is crucial for managing affected patients.
- The review highlights the importance of considering immune status in neurological disease.