Polyreactive autoimmune response induced by PC 12 cell grafts into rat striatum

In order to better characterize the autoantibodies induced by PC12 cells grafted into rat brain, we have tested sera from these animals by immunoblotting with several preparations, including phosphorylated and dephosphorylated neurofilaments, keratins, PC12 cells and proteins from various rat tissues, and by immunofluorescence of rat spinal cord neurons in culture. Sera from grafted rats reacted with several antigens present in all tissues tested and stained in cultured neurons not only NF but also cell bodies and membranous granular structures. These observations suggest either the polyreactivity of autoantibodies or the induction of a polyclonal B cell activation consecutive to the release of central nervous system antigens into the blood stream. These results are discussed with regard to the role of NF autoantibodies in neurodegenerative diseases.