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Increased calpain expression in experimental demyelinating optic neuritis: an immunocytochemical study
D C Shields1, W R Tyor, G E Deibler
1Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Brain Research
|May 2, 1998
Summary
Calcium-activated neutral proteinase (calpain) expression increases in cells involved in myelin destruction during experimental optic neuritis, a model for multiple sclerosis. This suggests calpain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Calcium-activated neutral proteinase (calpain) degrades myelin proteins in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Calpain is implicated in myelin destruction in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate calpain immunocytochemical expression in Lewis rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS and optic neuritis.
- To identify specific cell types expressing calpain during EAE.
Main Methods:
- Examined calpain expression in rat optic nerve sections using immunocytochemistry.
- Utilized antibodies for calpain, glial markers (GFAP, OX42), and inflammatory markers (CD2, ED2, ED1, IFN-gamma).
Main Results:
- Increased calpain expression observed in microglia (OX42) and infiltrating macrophages (ED1,2) in EAE rats compared to controls.
- Astrocytes showed constitutive calpain expression, with reactive astrocytes in EAE exhibiting markedly increased levels.
- Elevated calpain expression was found in activated IFN-gamma-producing lymphocytes within inflammatory foci.
Conclusions:
- Calpain expression is upregulated in various CNS cells during experimental optic neuritis.
- Calpain may play a significant role in myelin destruction and the pathogenesis of optic neuritis.