Neurotoxic potential of reactive astrocytes in canine distemper demyelinating leukoencephalitis.

ABSTRACT: Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a fatal demyelinating leukoencephalitis in young dogs resembling human multiple sclerosis. Astrocytes are the main cellular target of CDV and undergo reactive changes already in pre-demyelinating brain lesions. Based on their broad range of beneficial and detrimental effects in the injured brain reactive astrogliosis is in need of intensive investigation. The aim of the study was to characterize astrocyte plasticity during the course of CDV-induced demyelinating leukoencephalitis by the aid of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and gene expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of reactive glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)⁺ astrocytes with increased survivin and reduced aquaporin 4, and glutamine synthetase pro

SUBMITTER: Klemens J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6690900 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature