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Immunocytochemical localization of the terminal complement complex in multiple sclerosis.
D A Compston1, B P Morgan, A K Campbell
1Department of Neurology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff.
Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Complement system activation, indicated by C9 deposits, is observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissue. This suggests a role for complement in the immune-mediated tissue damage characteristic of MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system.
- The pathogenesis of MS involves complex interactions between immune cells, inflammatory mediators, and the blood-brain barrier.
- The role of the complement system in MS pathogenesis remains an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of complement system components in MS brain tissue.
- To determine if complement activation is associated with focal tissue damage in MS plaques.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical analysis of post-mortem brain tissue from MS patients and controls.
- Detection of C9 and the terminal complement complex.
- Association of deposits with capillary endothelial cells within plaques and white matter.
Main Results:
- Granular deposits of C9 and the terminal complement complex (0.3-1.2 microns) were found in 5/7 MS patients and one patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
- These deposits were associated with capillary endothelial cells, predominantly in plaques and adjacent white matter.
- No such deposits were observed in control individuals (7/7).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that complement activation occurs in the context of MS.
- Complement activation may be involved in the focal tissue damage observed in MS.
- This process may involve the passage of immune mediators across the blood-brain barrier.