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Myelin basic protein and its antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis,
Abstract:
Our studies have revealed no essential differences between EAE in monkeys and MS and other CNS diseases in humans. High concentrations of BP occur early, especially if no anti-BP antibodies are also present. Lower concentrations of BP follow and may be associated with the presence of anti-BP antibodies. In EAE these antibodies come from the relatively strong peripheral sensitization to BP and enter the CSF through a damaged blood-brain barrier; in MS they come from the relatively weak immunologic stimulation probably evoked by previous attacks of the disease. Proteolytic enzymes also enter the CSF and produce peptide fragments of BP whose differing antigenic compositions permit antibodies to some fragments to coexist with other fragments unrelated antigenically but detected as "BP" in vitro. Since oligoclonal immunoglobulins (IgG) occur more often in MS than in other diseases, one can expect to find BP, anti-BP antibodies and oligoclonal IgG more often in MS, but even the combination is not specific for MS. Consideration of the temporal and immunochemical relationships as well as of the differential diagnosis provides a basis for the understanding of the significance of BP, its antibodies and other immunoglobulins in the CSF.
Insights
Studies show EAE in monkeys mirrors MS and CNS diseases in humans. Early high BP concentrations, potentially without antibodies, decrease as anti-BP antibodies rise, indicating disease progression and immune response in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Diseases
Background:
- Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in monkeys shares similarities with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other human CNS diseases.
- The presence and concentration of Brain Protein (BP) and anti-BP antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlate with disease stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Brain Protein (BP) and its antibodies in the CSF of EAE and MS.
- To understand the immunochemical relationships and diagnostic significance of BP, anti-BP antibodies, and oligoclonal IgG in CNS diseases.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of EAE in monkeys and human CNS diseases, including MS.
- Measurement of BP and anti-BP antibody concentrations in CSF.
- Assessment of immunoglobulin G (IgG) oligoclonal bands in CSF.
Main Results:
- High BP concentrations are observed early in the disease, especially without anti-BP antibodies.
- Lower BP concentrations correlate with the presence of anti-BP antibodies, suggesting an immune response.
- Antibodies in EAE originate from peripheral sensitization, while in MS, they stem from immune stimulation; both involve a compromised blood-brain barrier.
- Proteolytic enzymes in CSF generate BP fragments, complicating antibody detection.
- Oligoclonal IgG is more frequent in MS, but its co-occurrence with BP and anti-BP antibodies is not exclusive to MS.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a conserved pathological mechanism involving BP and immune responses across EAE and MS.
- While BP, anti-BP antibodies, and oligoclonal IgG are more common in MS, they are not definitive diagnostic markers.
- Understanding the temporal and immunochemical dynamics of these factors is crucial for diagnosing and understanding CNS diseases.