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Ex vivo spinal cord slice model of neuromyelitis optica reveals novel immunopathogenic mechanisms – Zhang – Annals of Neurology – Wiley Online Library

Hua Zhang PhD1,
  1. Jeffrey L. Bennett MD, PhD2,
  2. A. S. Verkman MD, PhD1,*,

Copyright ? 2011 American Neurological Association

Author Information
  1. Departments of Physiology and Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
  2. Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO

Email: A. S. Verkman MD, PhD (Alan.Verkman@ucsf.edu)

*Correspondence: A. S. Verkman MD, PhD, 1246 Health Sciences East Tower, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0521, U.S.A.http:/www.ucsf.edu/verklab

Objective

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a neuroinflammatory disease of spinal cord and optic nerve associated with serum autoantibodies (NMO-IgG) against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Recent studies suggest that AQP4 autoantibodies are pathogenic. The objectives of this study were to establish an ex vivo spinal cord slice model in which NMO-IgG exposure produces lesions with characteristic NMO pathology, and to test the involvement of specific inflammatory cell types and soluble factors.

Methods

Vibratome-cut transverse spinal cord slices were cultured on transwell porous supports. After 7 days in culture, spinal cord slices were exposed NMO-IgG and complement for 1-3 days. In some studies inflammatory cells or factors were added. Slices were examined for GFAP, AQP4 and myelin immunoreactivity.

Results

Spinal cord cellular structure, including astrocytes, microglia, neurons and myelin, was preserved in culture. NMO-IgG bound strongly to astrocytes in the spinal cord slices. Slices exposed to NMO-IgG and complement showed marked loss of GFAP, AQP4 and myelin. Lesions were not seen in the absence of complement or in spinal cord slices from AQP4 null mice. In cultures treated with submaximal NMO-IgG, the severity of NMO lesions was increased with inclusion of neutrophils, natural-killer cells or macrophages, or the soluble factors TNF?, IL-6, IL-1? or interferon-?. Lesions were also produced in ex vivo optic nerve and hippocampal slice cultures.

Interpretation

These results provide evidence for AQP4, complement- and NMO-IgG-dependent NMO pathogenesis in spinal cord, and implicate the involvement of specific immune cells and cytokines. Our ex vivo model allows for direct manipulation of putative effectors of NMO disease pathogenesis in a disease-relevant tissue. ANN NEUROL 2011.

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