Distinct pathological patterns in relapsing-remitting and chronic models of experimental autoimmune enchephalomyelitis and the neuroprotective effect of glatiramer acetate.

The respective roles of inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and in its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are controversial. Novel treatment strategies aim to operate within the CNS to induce neuroprotection and repair processes in addition to their anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we analyzed and compared the in situ pathological manifestations of EAE utilizing two different models, namely the relapsing-remitting PLP-induced and the chronic MOG-induced diseases. To characterize pathological changes, both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry were employed. The effect of the approved MS drug glatiramer acetate (GA, Copaxone) on myelin damage/repair and on motor neuron loss/preservation was studied in both EAE models. Ultrastructural spinal cord analysis revealed multiple white matter damage foci, with different patterns in the two EAE models. Thus, the relapsing-remitting model was characterized mainly by widespread myelin damage and by remyelinating fibers, whereas in the chronic model axonal degeneration was more prevalent. Loss of lower motor neurons was manifested only in mice with chronic MOG-induced disease. In the GA-treated mice, smaller lesions, increased axonal density and higher prevalence of normal appearing axons were observed, as well as decreased demyelination and degeneration. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of the relative remyelination versus demyelination, provides for the first time evidence of significant augmentation of remyelination after GA treatment. The loss of motor neurons in GA-treated mice was also reduced in comparison to that of EAE untreated mice. These effects were obtained even when GA treatment was applied in a therapeutic schedule, namely after the appearance of clinical symptoms. Hence, the remyelination and neuronal preservation induced by GA are in support of the neuroprotective consequences of this treatment.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein and its axonal receptors.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is expressed on the innermost myelin membrane wrap, directly apposed to the axon surface. Although it is not required for myelination, MAG enhances long-term axon-myelin stability, helps to structure nodes of Ranvier, and regulates the axon cytoskeleton. In addition to its role in axon-myelin stabilization, MAG inhibits axon regeneration after injury; MAG and a discrete set of other molecules on residual myelin membranes at injury sites actively signal axons to halt elongation. Both the stabilizing and the axon outgrowth inhibitory effects of MAG are mediated by complementary MAG receptors on the axon surface. Two MAG receptor families have been described, sialoglycans (specifically gangliosides GD1a and GT1b) and Nogo receptors (NgRs). Controversies remain about which receptor(s) mediates which of MAG's biological effects. Here we review the findings and challenges in associating MAG's biological effects with specific receptors.

Functional topography of myelin-associated glycoprotein. II. Mapping of domains on molecular fragments.

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), an adhesion molecule of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily with five Ig-like domains, was investigated with regard to its binding site(s) for the neuronal cell surface, collagen I, and heparin, using a panel of new monoclonal antibodies and cyanogen bromide cleavage fragments of MAG. All antibodies generated competed with each other for binding to MAG, indicating that they reacted with identical or closely related epitopes. Mapping of the reactive epitopes on recombinant deletion fragments of MAG expressed by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fibroblasts showed reactivity of monoclonal antibody 513 with domains I, II, and III, comprising the amino-terminal end of the extracellular domain. Monoclonal antibody 15 recognized domain III only. Binding of MAG-containing liposomes to neurons was blocked by antibodies 15 and 513. Cyanogen bromide (CNBr) fragments of domains I, II, and III bound to collagen type I under isotonic buffer conditions. CNBr fragments containing domains I and II were involved in binding to heparin. These observations suggest that domain III may be important for binding to the neuronal cell surface receptor for MAG, while domains I, II, and III interact with collagen type I and domains II and III with heparin.