Accumulation of Fascin+ cells during experimental autoimmune neuritis

Abstract

Background: Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is a well-known animal model of human demyelinating polyneuropathies and is characterized by inflammation and demyelination in the peripheral nervous system. Fascin is an evolutionarily highly conserved cytoskeletal protein of 55 kDa containing two actin binding domains that cross-link filamentous actin to hexagonal bundles. Methods: Here we have studied by immunohistochemistry the spatiotemporal accumulation of Fascin + cells in sciatic nerves of EAN rats. Results: A robust accumulation of Fascin + cell was observed in the peripheral nervous system of EAN which was correlated with the severity of neurological signs in EAN. Conclusion: Our results suggest a pathological role of Fascin in EAN. Virtual slides: The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticphatology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6734593451114811. © 2013 Yang et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.