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Theiler's virus-induced demyelination: prevention by immunosuppression.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 2, 1976
Summary
Immunosuppression using cyclophosphamide and rabbit antiserum prevented demyelination caused by Theiler
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Theiler's virus infection in mice causes central nervous system demyelination.
- The precise mechanisms driving demyelination in this viral model are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the immune system in Theiler's virus-induced demyelination.
- To determine if immunosuppression can prevent demyelination.
Main Methods:
- SJL/J mice were infected with Theiler's virus.
- Mice received immunosuppressive treatment with cyclophosphamide and rabbit antiserum to mouse thymocytes.
- Central nervous system tissues were analyzed using 1-micrometer Epon-embedded sections.
Main Results:
- Immunosuppression effectively eliminated mononuclear cell infiltrates in the spinal cord white matter.
- The immunosuppressive treatment completely prevented the development of demyelination.
- Absence of demyelination correlated with the reduction in immune cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Demyelination induced by Theiler's virus in SJL/J mice is an immune-mediated process.
- Targeting immune responses may be a therapeutic strategy for viral-induced demyelination.
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