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Macrophage responses in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies
1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Annals of Neurology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Macrophages play a key role in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies. This study reveals their entry into nerves as Ia-positive cells and their transformation into Ia-negative foamy macrophages during myelin removal.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are critical in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies.
- Understanding macrophage behavior is key to evaluating these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate macrophage behavior in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies.
- To assess macrophage adherence, motility, and major histocompatibility Class II (Ia) antigen expression.
Main Methods:
- Immunostaining of teased nerve fibers and endoneurial blood vessels.
- Analysis of macrophage frequency, relationship to nerve fibers, and Ia antigen expression in patients.
Main Results:
- Macrophages were consistently found adhered to blood vessels.
- Entering macrophages were elongated, motile, and Ia-positive.
- Macrophages remained Ia-positive after entering nerve fibers and removing myelin.
- Postphagocytic foamy macrophages were Ia-negative and appeared to be exiting the nerve.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages enter nerves as Ia-positive, prephagocytic cells.
- They evolve into Ia-negative foamy macrophages after myelin removal.
- This dynamic pattern offers insights into neuropathic processes.