Myelin degeneration in multiple system atrophy detected by unique antibodies

Am J Pathol. 1998 Sep;153(3):735-44. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9440(10)65617-9.

Abstract

A rabbit antiserum (anti-EP), induced against a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 68 to 86 of guinea pig myelin basic protein, powerfully immunostained abnormal-appearing oligodendrocytic processes and cell bodies in demyelinating areas associated with multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, as we reported previously, the antiserum, which is highly specific for the sequence QDENPVV corresponding to human myelin basic protein residues 82 to 88, failed to recognize any structures in normal human brain. QD-9, a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against human myelin basic protein residues 69 to 88, which also recognizes specifically the epitope QDENPVV, gave the same results as did anti-EP. The unusual epitope recognized by anti-EP/QD-9 antibodies appears to be accessible in areas of myelin degeneration, and the antibodies have been shown to detect such areas in multiple sclerosis and infarcted brains. These antibodies detect myelin degeneration more widely than previous conventional methods. The present study emphasizes the importance of myelin degeneration in the pathogenesis of multiple system atrophy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / analysis
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / complications
  • Demyelinating Diseases / metabolism
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology*
  • Epitopes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Inclusion Bodies / metabolism
  • Inclusion Bodies / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple System Atrophy / complications
  • Multiple System Atrophy / metabolism
  • Multiple System Atrophy / pathology*
  • Myelin Basic Protein / immunology
  • Myelin Basic Protein / metabolism*
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism
  • Myelin Sheath / pathology*
  • Nerve Degeneration / metabolism
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology*
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / pathology
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism
  • Rabbits
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Epitopes
  • Myelin Basic Protein
  • Peptide Fragments