Tracking Epidermal Nerve Fiber Changes in Asian Macaques: Tools and Techniques for Quantitative Assessment

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Quantitative assessment of epidermal nerve fibers (ENFs) is crucial for diagnosing small fiber neuropathies.
• Human immunodeficiency virus-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) is a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate methods for quantifying ENFs in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques to model HIV-SN.
• To establish a preclinical model for investigating neuroprotection and regeneration strategies.

Main Methods:

• Adapted human skin biopsy and immunostaining techniques for macaque footpad skin.
• Developed two unbiased image analysis techniques for ENF quantification.
• Utilized SIV-infected Asian macaques as a model system.

Main Results:

• Successfully adapted and validated ENF assessment techniques in macaques.
• Established reliable methods for quantifying ENF changes in a nonhuman primate model.
• Identified key experimental considerations for long-term studies.

Conclusions:

• The developed methods provide a robust tool for studying HIV-SN pathogenesis in macaques.
• These techniques are translatable to other studies of peripheral nerve degeneration and neurotoxicity in nonhuman primates.
• The model facilitates preclinical investigation of neuroprotective and regenerative agents.