Treatment of N9 cells with increasing concentrations of LPS (0·1,

Treatment of N9 cells with increasing concentrations of LPS (0·1, 0·5 and 1 μg/ml) showed a significant dose-dependent induction of miR-155 expression, which reached a 25-fold increase in miR-155 levels for the highest LPS concentration tested (Fig. 1a). A similar result was obtained in primary microglia cultures, where it was possible to observe a 12-fold or 21-fold increase in the expression of miR-155 following incubation

with 0·1 or 1 μg/ml LPS, respectively (Fig. 1b). To establish a time–course for this event, changes in miR-155 levels were monitored by qRT-PCR at different time-points (30 min, 1, 2, 4, 18 and 24 hr), following stimulation of N9 cells with Y-27632 ic50 the lowest concentration of LPS (0·1 μg/ml). The levels of miR-155 remained constant until 4 hr after the beginning of the stimulus, when a significant increase was observed with respect to control levels (Fig. 1c). Levels of miR-155 continued to increase, reaching a maximum at 18 hr, but showed a tendency to decrease after

an incubation period of 24 hr. To confirm the results obtained by qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization studies were performed in primary microglia cultures exposed to 0·1 or 1 μg/ml LPS, using an LNA GSK2126458 purchase probe specific for the mature form of miR-155 (Fig. 2). The miR-155 labelling was significantly more intense in the cytoplasm of microglia cells incubated with LPS than in control cells. Since the probe only recognizes the stiripentol mature form of this miRNA, these results further validate the qRT-PCR data presented in Fig. 1(b) and confirm that, under inflammatory conditions, miR-155 expression increases not only in N9 microglia cells but also in microglia primary cells. Primary microglia cells are not easily obtained with high yield, are extremely difficult to transfect and are easily activated by cell culture procedures, also, the responses of N9 cells and primary microglia cultures to LPS treatment are similar, so the subsequent

studies were performed in N9 cells. This cell line, which comprises immortalized mouse-derived microglia cells, has been described as mimicking the behaviour of primary microglia regarding TLR expression, cytokine release and NO production, and has been employed in several studies as an in vitro model to study microglia activation.24–26 The miRNAs exert their regulatory effects mainly at the post-transcriptional level, by targeting complementary or partly complementary mRNAs and inducing mRNA cleavage or translation repression. To identify potential targets of miR-155 that might be relevant in the microglia immune response, we screened the mouse and human miR-155 sequences using the miRBase and PicTar miRNA target identification programmes.

The latter three stimuli served as nonobject pictorial control im

The latter three stimuli served as nonobject pictorial control images for a comparison of manual response, following a procedure used by Yonas et al. (2005). Participants were seated in an infant chair secured to a testing table. Parents were seated in a chair immediately adjacent to the child and were instructed to keep their hands in their lap and not to initiate any gestures toward the display or interact with the child during the session. The experimenter was concealed behind a black curtain, only emerging to change displays. In addition,

parents were instructed to remain neutral but equally attentive to each display that was presented to the child. Parents were not informed selleck compound of the hypotheses or the nature of the visual displays prior to the testing session. Lumacaftor A full debriefing took place after the session was completed. On each trial, a display was secured

to the tabletop directly in front of the infant. Infants were free to explore any part of the display, but they were prevented from picking it up. Infants viewed a total of seven displays presented individually. Each display remained available for a maximum of approximately 40 sec. The experiment always began with a color photograph of a real toy (e.g., either a kitten or a doll) as a “warm up” to engage the infants in the task as shown in Figure 1. Infants’ responses to the initial “warm-up” displays were not included in final analyses. The experimental and control displays, shown in Figure 1, were presented in a pseudorandom order. For example, half of the participants viewed a sequence of displays in which the possible figure appeared before the impossible one in the series, and the other half viewed a sequence of displays

in which the impossible cube was presented before the possible cube display. A photo of a real toy always preceded the displays of the possible and impossible cubes (i.e., the possible and impossible figures were never 17-DMAG (Alvespimycin) HCl presented back to back in sequence). This was to control for the possibility of increased visual attention and/or interest generated by the warm-up displays toward the subsequent display. The three perceptual control displays were presented in randomized order immediately following the displays of primary interest in this experiment (i.e., the possible and impossible cubes). All test sessions were recorded on digital video and were subsequently coded from videotapes for types of manual contact and deliberate behaviors directed toward exploring the picture displays (e.g., touching, grasping, rubbing, scratching, and patting). The scoring criteria were based on a modified hybrid version of the coding schemes used by DeLoache et al. (1998) and Yonas et al. (2005).

3A,B) A striking finding was degenerative

3A,B). A striking finding was degenerative Sotrastaurin molecular weight lesions in the cerebrum, cerebellum and pons. Notably, the degenerative lesions in the cerebrum were remarkable at the white matter and cortex adjacent to the leptomeninges, which were abundantly infiltrated by C. neoformans, especially near the frontal base, sylvian fissure and calcarine sulcus (Fig. 3C). In the affected deep white matter, perivascular infiltration of the lymphocytes was prominent (Fig. 3D), and reactive astrocytes and vascular proliferation were also evident. In contrast, vascular abnormalities and reactive astrocytes were not apparent in the subcortical

and cortical lesions. Basal ganglia and thalamus were partly necrotic with slight

infiltration of the lymphocytes. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/dabrafenib-gsk2118436.html In the cerebellum, the subcortical white matter was extensively degenerated, but the deep white matter was mostly preserved (Fig. 3E). There were no apparent vascular abnormalities in the cerebellum. C. neoformans was not present within the parenchyma of the brain or spinal cord. There was no abnormal oligodendroglia suggestive of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and JC virus was not detected in the cerebrum, cerebellum or brainstem by immunohistochemistry using an antibody against SV40. IRIS is a condition observed mostly in immunocompromized patients, in which the immune system begins to recover and respond against a wide variety of pathogens with an overwhelming inflammatory response that paradoxically makes the symptoms worse.[4] C. neoformans is a major pathogen associated with the occurrence of Niclosamide IRIS. IRIS is well recognized in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy,

but is also known as a complication of immunosuppressive treatment by corticosteroids.[5] In our case, the pathology in the cerebral deep white matter indicated the pathomechanism of lymphocytic inflammation. Cryptococcal meningitis often accompanies lymphocytic infiltration within the brain parenchyma in the absence of C. neoformans,[1] but the degenerative changes of the cerebral white matter in the early phase of cryptococcal meningitis are mostly unremarkable. In our case, cryptococcal meningitis and the MRI abnormalities predominantly in the cerebral deep white matter occurred after the cessation of strong immunosuppressive treatment by methylprednisolone along with the recovery of lymphocyte numbers, and thus, the degenerative lesions in the cerebral deep white matter could be recognized as a manifestation of IRIS against an opportunistic infection of C. neoformans at the leptomeninges. However, the degenerative lesions in the subcortical white matter and cortex were not accompanied by inflammation, and thus, the pathomechanism would be different from IRIS.

Four

days after admission, Mr MF’s cardiologist transferr

Four

days after admission, Mr MF’s cardiologist transferred him to CCU to optimize his cardiac management. Mr MF informed the renal team that he wished to stop dialysis and his wife agreed, stating PD332991 that her husband had discussed this during his last brief time at home. The renal team doubted Mr MF had the capacity for decision making and asked a psychiatrist to give a second opinion. The cardiologist was uncomfortable with the patient’s decision and asked Mr MF to continue dialysis until the anti-depressants became effective. Mr MF requested his decision be respected. Mr MF’s wife accused the cardiologist of bullying her husband into ongoing dialysis. The cardiologist noted a potential conflict of interest because Mr MF’s wife had previously divulged to him that Mr MF was physically and verbally abusive towards her. Mr MF’s family articulated distress at a family meeting with the renal and cardiac teams that his wishes were not being respected and he was being forced to dialyse. All agreed to await the outcome of the second opinion of Mr MF’s capacity to make decisions about end of life. Mr MF was not present at the family meeting. Mr MF

was deemed capable of EOL decisions by a consultant psychiatrist. The three medical teams – renal, cardiology and psychiatry – met with the hospital solicitor because the cardiologist was uncomfortable with the decision to withdraw dialysis. The meeting reached a consensus of EOL care without dialysis and the renal team spoke to the patient about cessation of dialysis. Mr MF was referred to the consultative palliative care team and was Selleck Galunisertib subsequently transferred from CCU to the Renal Ward. The cardiologist remained distressed and asked the patient and

his wife to sign acknowledgement of refusal of medical treatment. The renal inpatient team and palliative care consulting team initiated the care of the dying pathway and Mr MF died peacefully shortly after with his family in attendance. The family sent a letter to the renal team a week later thanking them for caring for Mr MF. This complicated medical case was compounded by distress in the aminophylline healthcare team. Members of the team disagreed about treatment plans and the boundaries of the patient’s autonomy. The distress could not be resolved despite wide consultation with colleagues and legal involvement. This case demonstrates a number of problems frequently encountered by nephrologists Advance discussions with nephrologists prior to procedures.  This patient would have benefited by seeing a nephrologist before the renal artery angioplasty was attempted, allowing discussions of likely outcome and complications. The history suggests that the procedure was being attempted to reduce episodes of APO. This patient was known to have cardiac disease with ongoing angina and a blocked coronary stent. He therefore has potential mechanisms for pulmonary oedema unrelated to his renal arteries and thus raises the question of whether this procedure could be effective.

P < 0 05 was considered significant Based on the final diagnosis

P < 0.05 was considered significant. Based on the final diagnosis, 78 enrolled participants were divided into two groups: MG-132 mw a TB group (n = 58) with a diagnosis of confirmed or probable tuberculous pleurisy, and a non-TB group (n = 20) with diagnosis of other non-TB diseases. In the TB group, patients with confirmed tuberculous pleurisy (n = 17) were culture-positive

for M.tb of pleural fluid (n = 5) and/or histologically confirmed to have TB by pleural biopsy under the thoracoscope (n = 14). Patients with probable tuberculous pleurisy (n = 41) were sputum culture-positive for M.tb (n = 11), or positively responded to anti-TB medications without other possible causes of pleural effusion (n = 30). The median age of enrolled patients was 49 years old and 20 of the 78 were men (25.6%). The etiologies of non-TB

pleural effusion included pulmonary adenocarcinoma (n = 6, five males, 47–89 years old), small-cell lung cancer (n = 1, female, 52 years old), pulmonary low differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1, male, 76 years old), mesothelioma of pleura (n = 1, female, 56 years old), bacterial pneumonia (n = 6, six males, 33–91 years old), liver cirrhosis (n = 1, female, 46 years old), rheumatoid honeycombing (n = 1, female, 57 years old), pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM; n = 1, female, AZD1208 25 years old) and non-TB pleural effusion of an undetermined origin (n = 2, one male, 34–46 years old; Table 1). All 78 enrolled participants were tested with QFT-GIT and TST. The positive rates of QFT-GIT and TST in the TB group were 93.1% (54/58) and 68.5% (37/54) (P = 0.013), respectively, whereas the negative rates of QFT-GIT and TST in the non-TB group (n = 20) were 90.0% (18/20) and 86.7%

(13/15), respectively (P = 1.000; Fig. 1). Furthermore, the IFN-γ secretions in response to PHA were comparable in two groups, whereas that in response to TB antigen in the TB group were significantly higher than in the non-TB group (P < 0.0001; Fig. 2). The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the ROC (AUC) of QFT-GIT and TST for TB diagnosis was 0.913 and 0.812, respectively (P = 0.152, Fig. 3). Thus, QFT-GIT was more sensitive and specific than TST Chlormezanone for diagnosing TB. In addition, 78 samples of pleural fluid pellet suspension were amplified by nested-PCR for M.tb detection. Among 58 patients in the TB group, 55 (94.8%) were positive, whereas only two (10.0%) were positive among the 20 patients in the non-TB group; the sensitivity and specificity of nested-PCR were 94.8% and 90.0%, respectively. Compared with conventional AFB and M.tb culture, the specificity of nested-PCR was comparable with TST and QFT-GIT (90.0% vs. 86.7% and 90.0%, respectively), whereas the sensitivities of nested-PCR and QFT-GIT were comparable, and were much higher than TST, AFB and M.tb culture (Fig. 4).

Both alum, which is associated with type-2 responses, and CFA, wh

Both alum, which is associated with type-2 responses, and CFA, which is in general associated with type-1

immune responses, induced expression of IL-4 mRNA in eosinophils 17, 18. The mechanisms by which adjuvants mediate their effects on the immune system are VX-809 molecular weight only poorly understood and, in particular, their means of activation of eosinophils remain obscure 5, 18. As in vitro LPS activation of sorted eosinophils shows an upregulation of cytokine expression, it is likely that eosinophils are directly activated by the mycobacterial components present in CFA. However, adjuvant effects of alum have been shown to be independent of TLR, and activation by alum is suggested to be regulated through the NALP3 inflammasome 19. Injection of antigen-free alum induced only a transient stimulation of eosinophils, suggesting that antigen-specific priming of the adaptive immune system is required to maintain eosinophils in an activated stage so that, as shown here even

60 days after antigen priming, eosinophils have elevated cytokine expression. Furthermore, in the secondary response, the degree of eosinophil selleck activation was even higher suggesting that antigen-dependent re-activation of the memory immune response accelerates long-term cytokine expression in eosinophils. Immunization of mice not only induces eosinophil activation but also their stable accumulation in the BM. How is that possible, considering the short half life of eosinophils which turn over within a couple of days 20? What are the mechanisms by which long-term changes in the immune compartments are achieved? Mutual interactions between eosinophils and various cell types in the BM micro-environment may contribute to the continuous activation of eosinophils. Activated eosinophils are shown to secrete a broad-spectrum of mediators one of which is the T-cell-activating cytokine IL-4 Morin Hydrate 2, 5. Further experiments

will be required to show whether enhanced levels of IL-4 induce expression of IL-5 in memory T cells which are only found in the BM after immunization with antigen 21. The cytokine IL-5 is a key factor for the development of eosinophils 22. Enhanced levels of IL-5 may affect the generation of eosinophils and, in addition, it may also prolong the life time of eosinophils. In long-term immunized animals, we find that in the network of reticular stromal cells, plasma cells are embedded within clusters of eosinophils 9. As eosinophils express Fc-receptors, Ig secretion by plasma cells may contribute to eosinophil activation, and it also may prolong the life time of eosinophils in the BM 23, 24. Furthermore, the network of stromal reticular cells may add to the activation of eosinophils by enhanced secretion of cytokines.

However, a direct immunostimulatory effect of anthelmintic treatm

However, a direct immunostimulatory effect of anthelmintic treatment cannot be excluded (53) and may be stronger in hair lambs. “
“Urinary catheters are standard medical devices utilized in both hospital and nursing home settings, but are associated with a high frequency of catheter-associated RAD001 cost urinary tract infections (CAUTI).

In particular, biofilm formation on the catheter surface by uropathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae causes severe problems. Here we demonstrate that type 1 and type 3 fimbriae expressed by K. pneumoniae enhance biofilm formation on urinary catheters in a catheterized bladder model that mirrors the physico-chemical conditions present in catheterized patients. Furthermore, we show that both fimbrial types are able to functionally compensate for each other during biofilm formation on urinary catheters. In situ monitoring of fimbrial expression revealed that neither of the two fimbrial types is expressed when cells are grown planktonically. Interestingly, during biofilm formation on catheters, both fimbrial types are expressed, suggesting that they are both important in promoting

biofilm formation on catheters. Additionally, transformed into and expressed by a nonfimbriated Escherichia coli strain, both fimbrial types significantly increased biofilm formation on catheters compared with the wild-type E. coli strain. The widespread Sunitinib price occurrence of the two fimbrial

check details types in different species of pathogenic bacteria stresses the need for further assessment of their role during urinary tract infections. “
“The extravasation of CD4+ effector/memory T cells (TEM) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial step in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)or multiple sclerosis (MS).Endothelial ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 are essential for CD4+ TEM cells crawlingon the BBBprior todiapedesis. Here, weinvestigated the influence of cell surface levels of endothelial ICAM-1 in determining the cellular route of CD4+ TEM-cell diapedesis across cytokine treatedprimary mouse BBB endothelial cells under physiological flow. Inflammatory conditions inducing high levels of endothelial ICAM-1 promoted rapid initiation of transcellulardiapedesis of CD4+ T cells across the BBB, while intermediate levels of endothelial ICAM-1 favored paracellular CD4+T-celldiapedesis.Importantly, the route of T-celldiapedesis across the BBB was independent of loss of BBB barrier properties. Unexpectedly, a low number of CD4+ TEM cells was found to cross the inflamed BBB in the absence of endothelial ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 via an obviously alternatively regulated transcellular pathway.In vivo, this translated tothe development of ameliorated EAE in ICAM-1null//ICAM-2−/−C57BL/6J mice.

albicans or other Candida species “
“Black aspergilli are a

albicans or other Candida species. “
“Black aspergilli are among the main causative agents of otomycosis worldwide. In this study, the species assignment of black aspergilli isolated from otomycosis cases in Iran was carried

out using sequence analysis of part of the calmodulin gene. The results indicate that Aspergillus niger is not the only black Aspergillus species involved in otomycosis cases in Iran: Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus tubingensis are also able to cause ear infections. Antifungal susceptibility tests were carried out against five antifungal drugs including amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine. All isolates were highly susceptible to terbinafine, while they exhibited moderate susceptibilities against amphotericin B, fluconazole and ketoconazole. Aspergillus niger c-Met inhibitor and A. awamori were found to

have higher minimal inhibitory concentrations for azoles than A. tubingensis, in accordance with previous findings. “
“Die histopathologische/mikroskopische Untersuchung sowie die Kultur insbesondere von Untersuchungsmaterial aus sterilen Körperregionen wie CT-gesteuerten Biopsien und BAL stellen die Basis in der Pilzdiagnostik dar. Sind invasive Techniken aufgrund des kritischen Zustandes des Patienten nicht durchführbar oder besteht bei negativem Ergebnis ein anhaltender Verdacht auf eine invasive Pilzerkrankung, stehen ergänzend serologische Methoden wie der Galactomannan- Ivacaftor nmr und der β-D-Glucan-Test sowie die PCR zur Verfügung. Ergebnisse indirekter Nachweisverfahren sollten stets kritisch hinterfragt RAS p21 protein activator 1 und in Zusammenschau mit radiologischem und klinischem Erscheinungsbild interpretiert werden. Beim Galactomannan-Test ist aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Sensitivitäten und der Möglichkeit falsch-positiver Befunde unter Antibiotikatherapie auf die Auswahl des Patientenkollektives zu achten. Die PCR ist nach wie vor nicht standardisiert, eine Unterscheidung zwischen Kontamination, Kolonisation und Infektion ist bei isoliert positivem Befund nicht möglich. “
“The wide spectrum of candidiasis and its clinical importance encourage the research

with the purpose of clarifying the mechanisms of pathogenicity and identification of virulence factors of Candida sp. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the adhesion capacity, protease activity and genotypic diversity of oral C. albicans and C. tropicalis isolates. The adhesion ability to the extracellular matrix glycoproteins laminin and fibronectin was evaluated using the ELISA technique. The research of proteases was carried out in agar plate containing bovine albumin and through a quantitative method in buffer solution containing haemoglobin. Intra and interspecies polymorphisms was verified through random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. All C. albicans and C. tropicalis isolates binded to immobilised laminin and fibronectin.

The median (range) and total duration of the therapy were 7 (3–14

The median (range) and total duration of the therapy were 7 (3–14) days and 91 patient days for LAmB + caspofungin combination and 49 (7–126) days and 516 patient days for caspofungin + voriconazole combination. We found a favourable

response rate of 68.4% in 16 proven or probable IFI episodes. Twelve-week survival rate of these patients was 75%. No serious side effect was observed among the patients. Our data suggest that combination antifungal therapy is safe and effective in children with haematological malignancies. “
“To describe clinical Selleckchem Selinexor characteristics, treatment and outcome of cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent children. Immunocompetent children with cryptococcal meningitis who attended Changzheng Hospital between 1998 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. During the 10 years reviewed, 11 children with cryptococcal selleck chemicals meningitis were admitted to Changzheng hospital and identified as immunocompetent. The 11 children had a median age of 7.25 years. Headache (100%), fever (81.8%), nausea or vomiting (63.6%) and visual or hearing damage or loss (36.4%) were the most common symptoms before treatment. There is no evidence

for other site infection of cryptococcus although all the cryptococcal antigen titre is high in blood. All the patients received amphotericin B or AmB liposome with 5-flucytosine for at least 6 weeks followed by fluconazole or itraconazole as consolidation treatment for at least 12 weeks. Nine patients were cured

mycologically; however, sequela of visual damage was showed in one patient. Cryptococcal meningitis seems to be uncharacteristic of symptoms, and central nervous system may be the only common site for infection. Amphotericin B with 5-flucytosine should be the choice of induction treatment in this group of patients. “
“Enzymatic activity profiles for two morphotypes of 37 Candida albicans clinical isolates were compared. Yeast and hyphal forms were grown using yeast extract-peptone-glucose broth or undiluted human serum, respectively. Both morphotypes were documented under scanning electron microscopy. The api® ZYM (BioMérieux, France) test was used to evaluate the enzymatic activity profiles for particular pleomorphic forms. None of the examined enzymatic activities aminophylline showed good agreement (kappa, κ > 0.80) for the two morphotypes of the tested strains. Only leucine arylamidase activity in blastoconidia and hyphae of 35 out of 37 strains appeared to be in significant agreement (κ = 0.770). This phenomenon should be explored further for clinical benefits. For morphotypes of all tested strains, activity profiles of 11 hydrolytic enzymes demonstrated weak agreement (κ = 0.044–0.197). Moreover, satisfactory (κ = 0.218–0.348) and moderate agreement (κ = 0.413–0.479) were noted for enzymatic activity values of five and two enzymes, respectively.

For intracellular staining

For intracellular staining see more of GM-CSF, isolated leukocytes were incubated with 50 ng/mL PMA, 500 ng/mL ionomycin, Golgi-Plug (1 μL/mL) containing brefeldin A in RPMI-1640 at 37°C for 4 h. Thereafter,

cells were stained with rat antimouse CD4-FITC, rat antimouse CD45-V450, fixed and permeabilized with Cytofix/Cytoperm (BD), and stained with rat antimouse GM-CSF-PE (BD). Apoptotic and dead CD4+ T cells were detected by staining with 7-AAD and CD4-allophycocyanin. Fas expression on CD4+ T cells was analyzed by staining with hamster antimouse Fas-PE and CD4-FITC. Controls were stained with isotype-matched control antibodies. All antibodies and reagents were obtained from BD Biosciences (Heidelberg, Germany) unless otherwise mentioned. Flow cytometry was performed on a FACScan (BD Biosciences), and the data were analyzed with WinMDI or Cell Quest software. Primary astrocytes Ku-0059436 were isolated from 1- to 2-day-old newborn mice and cultured as published before [43]. To obtain pure astrocytes, cells were harvested from astrocyte cultures and stained with rat antimouse CD11b-PE. Pure astrocytes (CD11b−) were then separated from CD11b+ microglia with a FACSVantage cell sorter (BD). Neuronal cultures were obtained according to Lenz et al. [44]

with slight modifications. Briefly, pregnant female mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at gestational day 18.5, and dissociated cells of each embryonic brain were cultivated in flasks coated with poly-L-lysine in Neurobasal medium supplemented with B27 (Invitrogen) and 500 μM L-glutamine (Gibco). The purity of cultures for neurons was ≥98%, as determined by immunofluorescence

staining for Casein kinase 1 neuron-specific class III β-tubulin. DNA was isolated from sorted astrocytes and microglia, respectively, as well as from cultured neurons using a DNA isolation kit (Qiagen, Germany). For the detection of FasL expressed on the surface of astrocytes, mixed astrocyte/microglia cultures were stained with mouse antimouse FasL-PE and CD11b-FITC. Controls were stained with isotype-matched control antibodies. For histology on paraffin sections, mice anesthetized with methoxyflurane were perfused with 0.1 M PBS followed by 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS, spinal cords were processed and stained with hemalum and eosin, cresyl violet, and luxol fast blue. In addition, paraffin sections were used for immunohistochemical demonstration of GFAP, neurofilament, Mac3, and CD3 (Serotec, Düsseldorf, Germany) by an ABC protocol as described [45]. Total mRNA was isolated from the spinal cords of nonimmunized and MOG35–55- immunized mice (RNeasy kit, Qiagen, Germany) at day 15 and day 22 p.i., respectively. SuperScript reverse transcriptase kit with oligo (dT) primers (Invitrogen, Germany) was used to generate cDNA from total mRNA.