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The expression of CD59 in normal human nervous tissue
C Vedeler1, E Ulvestad, L Bjørge
1Department of Neurology, University of Bergen, Norway.
Immunology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
CD59, a complement regulator, is present in human nervous tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. Its expression on various neural cells suggests a key role in the nervous system's defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- CD59 regulates the terminal cytolytic membrane attack complex formation and function.
- Understanding CD59 expression in neural tissues is crucial for comprehending complement-mediated processes in the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of CD59 in human normal peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS).
- To determine the cellular distribution of CD59 in neural tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies (1F5 and MEM43).
- Analysis of CD59 expression on Schwann cells in culture.
- Detection of CD59 in human cerebrospinal fluid.
Main Results:
- CD59 was detected on Schwann cells, neurons, and endothelial cells in the PNS.
- In the CNS, CD59 was predominantly found on endothelial cells, with diffuse staining in white and grey matter.
- CD59 was also identified in the CSF of healthy individuals.
- CD59 in neural tissues is glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol linked with a molecular weight of 19,000-25,000.
Conclusions:
- CD59 is expressed on diverse cell types within the human nervous system (PNS and CNS) and in CSF.
- The presence of CD59 suggests its significant role in regulating complement activation as part of neural host defense mechanisms.