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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Elevated myeloperoxidase activity in white matter in multiple sclerosis.
Elizabeth Gray1, Taya Louise Thomas, Samar Betmouni
1MS Laboratories, Burden Centre, University of Bristol Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS16 1JB, United Kingdom.
Neuroscience Letters
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) involves axonal damage, potentially linked to myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Elevated MPO in demyelinated MS white matter suggests its role in generating damaging reactive oxygen species.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by extensive axonal damage.
- Activated immune cells and glia release enzymes and oxidants, contributing to axonal injury.
- Macrophages and microglia express myeloperoxidase (MPO), producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during myelin phagocytosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure MPO levels in demyelinated and non-demyelinated white matter regions of MS patients and controls.
- To assess MPO immunoreactivity in MS brain tissue.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of post-mortem brain homogenates from nine MS patients and seven controls.
- Quantification of MPO levels in demyelinated and non-demyelinated white matter.
- Immunohistochemical assessment of MPO expression in MS brain tissue.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated MPO activity was found in demyelinated MS white matter compared to controls.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed MPO expression predominantly in macrophages within and near MS plaques.
- Demyelination in MS correlates with increased MPO activity.
Conclusions:
- Increased MPO activity during demyelination in MS suggests a role in axonal injury.
- Myeloperoxidase-generated reactive oxygen species may contribute to axonal damage within MS plaques.
