myelin-basic-protein and Meningitis

Topics: Blood-Brain Barrier; Cell Count; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Lymphocytes; Meningitis; Meningoencephalitis; Monocytes; Multiple Sclerosis; Myelin Basic Protein

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Autoantibodies; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Meningitis; Myelin Basic Protein; Myelin Sheath; Opportunistic Infections

Antibodies to myelin components, such as myelin basic protein (MBP), may play a role in pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) but results from determinations of anti-MBP antibodies are inconsistent. Enumeration of cells secreting antibodies represents a new approach to evaluate a specific antibody response regarding extent and localization, and reduces effects of e.g. antibody binding to target. Anti-MBP IgG antibody secreting cells were present in MS patients' cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at a mean value of 1 per 833 cells, and they amounted to a mean value of about 2454 in the whole CSF compartment. Similar numbers were encountered in patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases (OIND). During follow-up, anti-MBP IgG antibody secreting cells persisted regarding frequency and numbers in MS, but decreased in OIND. Such cells were rarely detected in patients with tension headache. No correlations to clinical exacerbation of MS, disability or duration were discernable. In blood from MS and OIND patients, anti-MBP IgG antibody secreting cells were detected infrequently and at low numbers. The anti-MBP antibody response is strongly restricted to the IgG isotype. The anti-MBP IgG antibody response which is persistent and compartmentalized to the diseased organ, may be important for the development of MS.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antibody-Producing Cells; Female; Headache; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Meningitis; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Myelin Basic Protein

Topics: Adult; Child; Encephalitis; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Meningitis; Multiple Sclerosis; Myelin Basic Protein; Neuritis; Peripheral Nerves; Tissue Extracts

29 guinea pigs, strain Pirbright, were infected with vaccinia virus, strain Elstree, by the dermal route. The observation period was 14 days. Thereafter, the animals were killed and their central nervous systems (CNS) histologically and immunohistologically, the blood fluorescence-serologically examined. Histological examination revealed meningitis, ependymitis or disseminated meningoencephalitis with slight perivascular cuffing in 72% of the animals. The viral antigen was found in 3 animals (10%). It was present most often in the cytoplasma of the arachnoidal and/or ependymal cells, as well as in the cells of the vessel walls and less often in the glial and/or nerve cells. The infected cells showed no severe degenerative changes. The blood-brain-barrier displayed localized disturbances. The examination of the myelin sheaths revealed disseminated foci of disappearance of myelin fluorescence in the perivascular, paraventricular and subcortical regions. Antibodies directed against myelin sheaths, or nerve cells could be detected in the sera of 48% of the animals. The results give evidence that the vaccinia infection is capable to induce a potentially pathogenic autoimmune reaction directed against brain. Such an immunomechanism can be triggered without any signs of acute lytic infection of the CNS. The mechanism and significance of this reaction are discussed.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Antibody Formation; Antigens; Autoimmune Diseases; Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain; Central Nervous System Diseases; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Ependyma; Guinea Pigs; Immune Sera; Immunity; Immunoglobulin G; Meningitis; Myelin Basic Protein; Vaccinia

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antigens; Brain; Cell Migration Inhibition; Child; Child, Preschool; Encephalitis; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Female; Freeze Drying; Humans; Infant; Leukocytes; Male; Meningitis; Middle Aged; Myelin Basic Protein; Polyradiculopathy