Neuritogenic activity of peripheral nerve myelin proteins in Lewis rats

The neuritogenic activity of human peripheral nerve myelin proteins in Lewis rats was examined. Experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) was induced by human myelin fraction in all Lewis rats examined. Purified human P2 protein induced mild but definite EAN. None of purified P0 protein, total myelin lipids, gangliosides and cerebrosides induced EAN. Addition of total myelin lipids or gangliosides to the P2 protein did not enhance the neuritogenicity of the P2 protein. Bovine P2 protein, which was inactive in rabbits and guinea pigs, showed considerable neuritogenicity in Lewis rats. We postulate that induction of EAN depends both on the species of host animal and the source of antigen.