Apoptosis of CD4 (+) T cells during experimental autoimmune neuritis in Wistar rats
Peng, Y.; Xiao, B.; Feng, D.; Yang, H.; Zi, X.; Xie, G.
Hunan Yi Ke da Xue Xue Bao 24(6): 536-538
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1000-5625 PMID: 12080714 Document Number: 505423
The present study describes apoptosis of T cells in the sciatic nerve in Wistar rats with experimental autoimmune neuritis(EAN). Morphological characterizations of apoptosis were found at the 18th day from onset, peaked at the 22nd day by immunocytochemical analysis. In situ end labeling(ISEL) techniques confirmed the presence of DNA fragmentation in CD4(+) T cells. It is suggested that apoptosis is an important clearance mechanism of infiltrated T cells in the peripheral nervous system(PNS) in EAN.