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Iron deposits surrounding multiple sclerosis plaques
Abstract:
Autopsy samples from cerebral areas of five brains from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and from six control brains were stained with Perls acid ferrocyanide to detect nonheme iron present as hemosiderin. Positive iron reactions were observed only in MS sections surrounding demyelinated plaques. Myelinated white matter near the lesion contained numerous iron-laden ovoid bodied and axons that stained positively for iron. Positive reactions were also found within blood vessels of gray matter near the lesion. A possible source of the iron was extravasated blood.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) brains show iron deposits, specifically hemosiderin, near demyelinated plaques. This iron accumulation in brain tissue and blood vessels may originate from bleeding into the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Iron accumulation has been implicated in neurodegenerative processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of nonheme iron, as hemosiderin, in the cerebral autopsy samples of multiple sclerosis patients.
- To explore the relationship between iron deposition and demyelination in multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy brain samples from five multiple sclerosis patients and six control subjects were analyzed.
- Perls acid ferrocyanide staining was used to detect nonheme iron (hemosiderin).
Main Results:
- Positive iron reactions were exclusively observed in multiple sclerosis sections, particularly surrounding demyelinated plaques.
- Iron-laden ovoid bodies and axons were abundant in myelinated white matter adjacent to lesions.
- Iron deposits were also detected within blood vessels in the gray matter near lesions.
Conclusions:
- Nonheme iron, in the form of hemosiderin, is present in the brains of multiple sclerosis patients, specifically around demyelinated areas.
- The findings suggest that extravasated blood may be a source of this iron accumulation in multiple sclerosis lesions.
- Iron deposition could play a role in the pathogenesis or progression of multiple sclerosis.