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Immunohistochemical expression of microtubule-associated protein 5 (MAP5) in glial cells in multiple system atrophy
1Department of Clinical Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neurosciences, Japan.
Abstract:
An immunohistochemical study focusing on glial cells was performed using monoclonal antibodies against microtubule-associated proteins (MAP1, MAP2 and MAP5), transferrin, leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in 5 cases of multiple system atrophy (MSA) exhibiting olivopontocerebellar atrophy and striatonigral degeneration. An antibody to MAP5, a fetal antigen in developing brain, was strongly demonstrated in the glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) which have recently drawn a great deal of attention and were observed in all 5 cases of MSA. Moreover, MAP5-positive glial cells (MAP5-Gs) were present in significantly higher number than in the controls in various regions where GCIs were found, predominantly in putamen, substantia nigra, cerebellar white matter and internal capsule. LCA and transferrin, markers of microglia and oligodendroglia, respectively, were immunohistochemically detected in some MAP5-Gs. GFAP, on the other hand, was not expressed in MAP5-Gs at all. These findings suggest that MAP5-Gs consist of reactive microglia and oligodendroglia. Our study is the first to demonstrate immunohistochemical detection of MAP5 in glial pathological changes in MSA.
Insights
This study identifies microtubule-associated protein 5 (MAP5) in glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) in multiple system atrophy (MSA). These findings suggest MAP5-positive glial cells in MSA are reactive microglia and oligodendroglia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by varying degrees of olivopontocerebellar atrophy and striatonigral degeneration.
- Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) are a hallmark pathological feature in MSA, but their cellular origin remains debated.
- Microtubule-associated protein 5 (MAP5) is typically found in developing brain tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular composition of GCIs in MSA using immunohistochemical markers.
- To determine the presence and significance of MAP5 in glial cells within MSA brains.
- To elucidate the potential role of microglia and oligodendroglia in MSA pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was performed on brain tissue from 5 MSA cases using antibodies against MAP1, MAP2, MAP5, transferrin, leukocyte common antigen (LCA), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).
- Quantification of MAP5-positive glial cells (MAP5-Gs) was conducted in various brain regions and compared to control samples.
- Co-localization studies were performed to identify markers present in MAP5-Gs.
Main Results:
- MAP5 was strongly detected in GCIs in all 5 MSA cases.
- MAP5-Gs were significantly increased in regions affected by GCIs, including the putamen, substantia nigra, cerebellar white matter, and internal capsule.
- LCA (microglia marker) and transferrin (oligodendroglia marker) were detected in some MAP5-Gs, while GFAP (astrocyte marker) was absent.
Conclusions:
- MAP5-positive glial cells in MSA likely represent reactive microglia and oligodendroglia.
- This study provides the first immunohistochemical evidence of MAP5 expression in glial pathological changes associated with MSA.
- The findings contribute to understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying GCI formation and MSA pathology.