Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
10:50

Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo

Published on: March 26, 2019

Platelets contribute to the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Harald F Langer1, Eun Young Choi, Hong Zhou

  • 1Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. Harald.Langer@med.uni-tuebingen.de

Circulation Research
|March 30, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Platelets contribute to central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Targeting platelets and their receptors ameliorated EAE, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue for MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disorders.
  • The role of platelets in autoimmune pathologies, particularly within the CNS, remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of platelets in mediating CNS inflammation during EAE.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting platelets in EAE.

Main Methods:

  • Detection of platelets in MS lesions and EAE mouse CNS.
  • Platelet depletion in EAE mice during the effector-inflammatory phase.
  • Assessment of leukocyte recruitment via intravital microscopy.
  • Targeting of platelet receptors glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa).

Main Results:

  • Platelets were found in human MS lesions and EAE mouse CNS, but not in control mice.
  • Platelet depletion significantly reduced EAE development and progression.
  • Reduced leukocyte infiltration and attenuated CNS inflammation were observed in platelet-depleted mice.
  • Targeting GPIbα and GPIIb/IIIa receptors ameliorated EAE severity.

Conclusions:

  • Platelets play a significant role in promoting CNS inflammation and pathogenesis of EAE.
  • Targeting platelet function presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating MS.

More Related Videos

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice and Evaluation of the Disease-dependent Distribution of Immune Cells in Various Tissues08:47

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice and Evaluation of the Disease-dependent Distribution of Immune Cells in Various Tissues

Published on: May 8, 2016

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines09:46

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Published on: September 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Formation of the Platelet Plug01:22

Formation of the Platelet Plug

The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...