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On the relationship between measles virus and Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles in subacute sclerosing

C Bancher1, H Leitner, K Jellinger

  • 1Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Lainz Hospital, Vienna, Austria.

Neurobiology of Aging
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Measles virus does not directly cause neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). NFT accumulation is not strictly linked to viral presence, suggesting it

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a severe neurological complication of measles virus infection.
  • Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), composed of hyperphosphorylated tau (PHF-tau), are a hallmark of SSPE neuropathology.
  • The direct relationship between measles virus and PHF-tau accumulation in SSPE remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between measles virus presence and PHF-tau accumulation in SSPE.
  • To determine if measles virus directly induces neurofibrillary tangle formation in SSPE.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of nine SSPE cases for viral inclusions and NFTs.
  • Immunohistochemical double labeling to assess colocalization of measles virus antigen and PHF-tau.
  • Examination of different brain regions and disease durations.

Main Results:

  • No direct correlation found between measles virus load and the number of neurons containing PHF-tau.
  • Immunohistochemistry revealed limited colocalization of measles virus antigen and PHF-tau.
  • Neurons infected with measles virus did not consistently accumulate PHF-tau, and vice versa.

Conclusions:

  • Neurofibrillary tangle formation in SSPE is not directly induced by the measles virus.
  • NFTs in SSPE appear to be an epiphenomenon, possibly resulting from virus-induced tissue damage.
  • Findings may offer insights into neurofibrillary degeneration in other neurodegenerative diseases.

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