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Iyegbe CO, Abiola OO, Towlson C, Powell JF, Whatley SA. Evidence for varied aetiologies regulating the transmission of prion disease: implications for understanding the heritable basis of prion incubation times. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14186. [PMID: 21152031 PMCID: PMC2996284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of progressive fatal neurodegenerative disorders, triggered by abnormal folding of the endogenous prion protein molecule. The encoding gene is a major biological factor influencing the length of the asymptomatic period after infection. It remains unclear the extent to which the variation between quantitative trait loci (QTLs) reported in mouse models is due to methodological differences between approaches or genuine differences between traits. With this in mind, our approach to identifying genetic factors has sought to extend the linkage mapping approach traditionally applied, to a series of additional traits, while minimising methodological variability between them. Our approach allows estimations of heritability to be derived, as well as predictions to be made about possible existence of genetic overlap between the various traits. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Our data indicate a surprising degree of heritability (up to 60%). Correlations between traits are also identified. A series of QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 18 accompany our heritability estimates. However, only a locus on chromosome 11 has a general effect across all 4 models explored. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We have achieved some success in detecting novel and pre-existing QTLs associated with incubation time. However, aside from the general effects described, the model-specific nature of the broader host genetic architecture has also been brought into clearer focus. This suggests that genetic overlap can only partially account for the general heritability of incubation time when factors, such as the nature of the TSE agent and the route of administration are considered. This point is highly relevant to vCJD (a potential threat to public health) where the route of primary importance is oral, while the QTLs being sought derive exclusively from studies of the ic route. Our results highlight the limitations of a single-model approach to QTL-mapping of TSEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad O Iyegbe
- Psychosis Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Walker J, Dickinson J, Sutton J, Marsh P, Raven N. Implications for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in Dentistry: a Review of Current Knowledge. J Dent Res 2008; 87:511-9. [DOI: 10.1177/154405910808700613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review explores our current understanding of the risks of (variant) Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease transmission via dental practice, and whether they merit the rigorous enforcement of improved standards of instrument cleaning and decontamination. The recognition of prions as novel infectious agents in humans has caused significant concern among the public and medical professionals alike. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans has been shown to be transmissible via several routes, including transplantation, contaminated medical products, and via neurosurgery. While the likelihood of transmission via dentistry is undoubtedly very low, this may be amplified considerably by unknown risk factors, such as disease prevalence (particularly in the UK), altered tissue distribution of vCJD, and the failure of decontamination processes to address the inactivation of prions adequately. Since current diagnostic techniques are unable to detect PrPSc in human dental tissues, there is limited evidence for the presence of infectivity. Given these uncertainties, the control of risk by reinforced and improved decontamination practices seems the most appropriate response.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.T. Walker
- TSE Research Group, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, HPA, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; and
- Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK
| | - J. Dickinson
- TSE Research Group, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, HPA, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; and
- Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK
| | - J.M. Sutton
- TSE Research Group, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, HPA, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; and
- Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK
| | - P.D. Marsh
- TSE Research Group, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, HPA, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; and
- Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK
| | - N.D.H. Raven
- TSE Research Group, Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response, HPA, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; and
- Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK
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Rezaie P, Pontikis CC, Hudson L, Cairns NJ, Lantos PL. Expression of cellular prion protein in the frontal and occipital lobe in Alzheimer's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, and in normal brain: an immunohistochemical study. J Histochem Cytochem 2005; 53:929-40. [PMID: 16055747 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.4a6551.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) is a glycoprotein expressed at low to moderate levels within the nervous system. Recent studies suggest that PrP(c) may possess neuroprotective functions and that its expression is upregulated in certain neurodegenerative disorders. We investigated whether PrP(c) expression is altered in the frontal and occipital cortex in two well-characterized neurodegenerative disorders--Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD)--compared with that in normal human brain using immunohistochemistry and computerized image analysis. The distribution of PrP(c) was further tested for correlation with glial reactivity. We found that PrP(c) was localized mainly in the gray matter (predominantly in neurons) and expressed at higher levels within the occipital cortex in the normal human brain. Image analysis revealed no significant variability in PrP(c) expression between DLBD and control cases. However, blood vessels within the white matter of DLBD cases showed immunoreactivity to PrP(c). By contrast, this protein was differentially expressed in the frontal and occipital cortex of AD cases; it was markedly overexpressed in the former and significantly reduced in the latter. Epitope specificity of antibodies appeared important when detecting PrP(c). The distribution of PrP(c) did not correlate with glial immunoreactivity. In conclusion, this study supports the proposal that regional changes in expression of PrP(c) may occur in certain neurodegenerative disorders such as AD, but not in other disorders such as DLBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Rezaie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom.
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Armstrong RA, Lantos PL, Cairns NJ. A quantitative study of the pathological changes in cortical neurons in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Neuropathology 2003; 23:181-7. [PMID: 14570284 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1789.2003.00495.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The frequency of morphological abnormalities in neuronal perikarya was studied in the cerebral cortex in cases of sporadic CJD (sCJD) and in elderly control patients. Three hypotheses were tested, namely that the proportion of neurons exhibiting abnormal morphology was increased: (i) in sCJD compared with control patients; (ii) in sCJD, in areas with significant prion protein (PrP) deposition compared with regions with little or no PrP deposition; and (iii) when neurons were spatially associated with a PrP deposit compared with neurons between PrP deposits. Changes in cell shape (swollen or atrophic cell bodies), nuclei (displaced, indistinct, shrunken or absent nuclei; absence of nucleolus), and cytoplasm (dense or pale cytoplasm, PrP positive cytoplasm, vacuolation) were commonly observed in all of the cortical areas studied in the sCJD cases. The proportion of neurons exhibiting each type of morphological change was significantly increased in sCJD compared with age-matched control cases. In sCJD, neuronal abnormalities were present in areas with little PrP deposition, but at significantly lower frequencies compared with areas with significant densities of PrP deposits. Abnormalities of cell shape, nucleus and the presence of cytoplasmic vacuolation were increased when the neurons were associated with a PrP deposit, but fewer of these neurons were PrP-positive compared with neurons between deposits. The data suggest significant neuronal degeneration in the cerebral cortex in sCJD in areas without significant PrP deposition and a further phase of neuronal degeneration associated with the appearance of PrP deposits.
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5
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Armstrong RA. Pathological changes in the primary visual cortex (area V1) in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Optom Vis Sci 2003; 80:298-304. [PMID: 12692486 DOI: 10.1097/00006324-200304000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the degree of pathological change in the primary visual cortex (area V1) in patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. METHOD The vacuolation, surviving neurons, glial cells, and deposits of prion protein were quantified in area V1 obtained postmortem in nine cases of the sporadic type of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. RESULTS Variations in the density of glial cells and in prion protein deposition were particularly evident between patients. In the upper and lower cortical laminae, vacuoles and prion protein deposits were regularly distributed in clusters with a mean dimensions of 450 to 1000 microm. Vacuolation in area V1 was most severe in lamina III and the glial cell reaction in lamina V or VI. Surviving neurons were most abundant in lamina II or III, whereas prion protein deposition either affected all laminae equally or was maximal in lamina II or III. CONCLUSION The data suggest that pathological changes in area V1 in sporadic type of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease may affect the transmission of visual information from area V1 to V2 and to subcortical visual areas. In addition, the data suggest an association between the developing pathology and the functional domains of area V1.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Armstrong
- Vision Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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King A, Doey L, Rossor M, Mead S, Collinge J, Lantos P. Phenotypic variability in the brains of a family with a prion disease characterized by a 144-base pair insertion in the prion protein gene. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2003; 29:98-105. [PMID: 12662318 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2990.2003.00423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The use of prion protein (PrP) immunohistochemistry in neuropathology has allowed identification of prion diseases with otherwise atypical histological features. The brains from family members with familial prion diseases can show marked histological variation. A histological and immunohistochemical study was performed on 10 brains of patients with a familial prion disease caused by a 144-base pair (bp) insertion in the prion protein gene. The histology from the cases showed variability in the severity of spongiform change and astrocytosis in both the cerebellum and the cerebrum. There was also variability in the density of microglial cells. The PrP immunohistochemistry revealed that in nine cases there was a similar patch-like deposition of PrP within the molecular layer of the cerebellum. Although in the cerebellum there did seem to be some correlation between the severity of spongiform change, astrocytosis and the density of microglial cells, there was no such correlation between any of these three parameters and the density of PrP staining. There was deposition of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) in the cerebellum, suggesting that disrupted axonal transport had a possible role in the evolution of the disease. The cases illustrate the histological variability that can occur in familial prion diseases despite similarity in PrP staining. They also reveal that the relationship between PrP deposition and cerebral or cerebellar damage might be complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- A King
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, UK.
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Abiola OO, Iyegbe C, Lantos P, Plomin R, Anderton BH, Whatley SA. Profound sex-specific effects on incubation times for transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy to mice. Intervirology 2002; 45:56-8. [PMID: 11937772 DOI: 10.1159/000050088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Four strains of mice were inoculated intracerebrally with a primary isolate of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the cloned mouse-adapted scrapie strain ME7. Clinical prion disease diagnosis was made at the appearance of three or more neurological symptoms and their persistence for 3 consecutive weeks and confirmed by neuropathological criteria. For BSE, incubation periods were profoundly different between the sexes in all four mouse strains, being longer in the females. In contrast, ME7 scrapie incubation times were similar between the sexes. Our results indicate that sex-specific processes are involved in the course of primary BSE transmission. Research into this phenomenon may provide clues to the prophylaxis of BSE and have possible implications for new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oduola O Abiola
- Department of Neuroscience, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, KCL Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
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Armstrong RA, Lantos PL, Cairns NJ. Quantification of the pathological changes with laminar depth in the cortex in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2001; 8:99-104. [PMID: 11720805 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-4680(01)00072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The laminar distribution of the vacuolation ('spongiform change'), surviving neurons, glial cell nuclei, and prion protein (PrP) deposits was studied in the frontal, parietal and temporal cortex in 11 cases of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The distribution of the vacuolation was mainly bimodal with peaks of density in the upper and lower cortical laminae. The density of surviving neurons was greatest in the upper cortex while glial cell nuclei were distributed largely in the lower cortex. PrP deposits exhibited either a bimodal distribution or reached a maximum density in the lower cortex. The vertical density of the vacuoles was positively correlated with the surviving neurons in 12/44 of cortical areas studied, with glial cell nuclei in 16/44 areas and with PrP deposition in 15/28 areas. PrP deposits were positively correlated with glial cell nuclei in 12/31 areas. These results suggest that in sporadic CJD: (1) the lower cortical laminae are the most affected by the pathological changes; (2) the development of the vacuolation may precede that of the extracellular PrP deposits and the glial cell reaction; and (3) the pathological changes may develop initially in the lower cortical laminae and spread to affect the upper cortical laminae.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A. Armstrong
- Vision Sciences, Aston University, B4 7ET, Birmingham, UK
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Armstrong RA, Lantos PL, Cairns NJ. Spatial correlations between the vacuolation, prion protein deposits, and surviving neurons in the cerebral cortex in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Neuropathology 2001; 21:266-71. [PMID: 11837532 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1789.2001.00406.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the cerebral cortex of cases of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), the vacuolation (spongiform change) and PrP deposits are aggregated into clusters which are regularly distributed parallel to the pia mater. The objective of the present study was to determine the spatial relationships between the clusters of the vacuoles and PrP deposits and between the pathological changes and variations in the density of surviving neurons. In areas with low densities of pathological change, clusters of vacuoles were spatially correlated with the surviving neurons and not with the PrP deposits. By contrast, in more significantly affected areas, clusters of vacuoles were spatially correlated with those of the PrP deposits and not with the surviving neurons. In addition, areas with a high density of vacuoles and a low density of PrP deposits exhibited no spatial correlations between the variables. These data suggest that the spatial relationships between the vacuolation, PrP deposits and surviving neurons in sCJD depend on the density of lesions present. Differences in the pattern of correlation may reflect the developmental stage of the pathology in particular cortical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Armstrong
- Vision Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Andréoletti O, Berthon P, Marc D, Sarradin P, Grosclaude J, van Keulen L, Schelcher F, Elsen JM, Lantier F. Early accumulation of PrP(Sc) in gut-associated lymphoid and nervous tissues of susceptible sheep from a Romanov flock with natural scrapie. J Gen Virol 2000; 81:3115-3126. [PMID: 11086143 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-81-12-3115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is known to be involved in the early phase of scrapie pathogenesis. However, the infection route of naturally occurring scrapie and its spread within the host are not entirely known. In this study, the pathogenesis of scrapie was investigated in sheep of three PrP genotypes, from 2 to 9 months of age, which were born and raised together in a naturally scrapie-affected Romanov flock. The kinetics of PrP(Sc) accumulation in sheep organs were determined by immunohistochemistry. PrP(Sc) was detected only in susceptible VRQ/VRQ sheep, from 2 months of age, with an apparent entry site at the ileal Peyer's patch as well as its draining mesenteric lymph node. At the cellular level, PrP(Sc) deposits were associated with CD68-positive cells of the dome area and B follicles before being detected in follicular dendritic cells. In 3- to 6-month-old sheep, PrP(Sc) was detected in most of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) and to a lesser extent in more systemic lymphoid formations such as the spleen or the mediastinal lymph node. All secondary lymphoid organs showed a similar intensity of PrP(Sc)-immunolabelling at 9 months of age. At this time-point, PrP(Sc) was also detected in the autonomic myenteric nervous plexus and in the nucleus parasympathicus nervi X of the brain stem. These data suggest that natural scrapie infection occurs by the oral route via infection of the Peyer's patches followed by replication in the GALT. It may then spread to the central nervous system through the autonomic nervous fibres innervating the digestive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Andréoletti
- UMR INRA-ENVT, Physiopathologie Infectieuse et Parasitaire des Ruminants, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France1
| | - Patricia Berthon
- INRA, Laboratoire de Pathologie Infectieuse et Immunologie, F-37380 Nouzilly, France2
| | - Daniel Marc
- INRA, Laboratoire de Pathologie Infectieuse et Immunologie, F-37380 Nouzilly, France2
| | - Pierre Sarradin
- INRA, Laboratoire de Pathologie Infectieuse et Immunologie, F-37380 Nouzilly, France2
| | | | - Lucien van Keulen
- Department of Immunology, Pathobiology and Epidemiology, Institute for Animal Science and Health (ID-Lelystad), Lelystad, The Netherlands4
| | - François Schelcher
- UMR INRA-ENVT, Physiopathologie Infectieuse et Parasitaire des Ruminants, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France1
| | - Jean-Michel Elsen
- INRA, Station d'Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, Auzeville, France5
| | - Frédéric Lantier
- INRA, Laboratoire de Pathologie Infectieuse et Immunologie, F-37380 Nouzilly, France2
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Ryder SJ, Hawkins SA, Dawson M, Wells GA. The neuropathology of experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the pig. J Comp Pathol 2000; 122:131-43. [PMID: 10684682 DOI: 10.1053/jcpa.1999.0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In an experimental study of the transmissibility of BSE to the pig, seven of 10 pigs, infected at 1-2 weeks of age by multiple-route parenteral inoculation with a homogenate of bovine brain from natural BSE cases developed lesions typical of spongiform encephalopathy. The lesions consisted principally of severe neuropil vacuolation affecting most areas of the brain, but mainly the forebrain. In addition, some vacuolar change was identified in the rostral colliculi and hypothalamic areas of normal control pigs. PrP accumulations were detected immunocytochemically in the brains of BSE-infected animals. PrP accumulation was sparse in many areas and its density was not obviously related to the degree of vacuolation. The patterns of PrP immunolabelling in control pigs differed strikingly from those in the infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Ryder
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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King A, Ryan P, Puranik A, Doey L, Barnes P. Leptomeningeal melanoma and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 1999; 25:345-8. [PMID: 10476052 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2990.1999.00177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A 78-year-old woman with known chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was admitted to a psychiatric unit because of rapidly declining cognitive function. Clinical examination also revealed cerebellar signs and she later became akinetic and mute. She deteriorated and died of bronchopneumonia. The histology from the post-mortem confirmed the presence of CLL in the lymph nodes and she was also found to have diffuse leptomeningeal melanoma. In addition, there was extensive prion protein deposition in the cerebral cortex, but without significant spongiosis. The astrocytosis that was present appeared superficial only. Furthermore, prion protein appeared to be co-expressed with betaA4 in the form of plaques. The patient therefore had evidence of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in addition to meningeal melanoma and CLL. This case further illustrates the importance of employing prion protein immunohistochemistry in suspected cases of CJD, especially where the histology is atypical.
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Affiliation(s)
- A King
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Psychiatry, London
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13
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Vital C, Gray F, Vital A, Parchi P, Capellari S, Petersen RB, Ferrer X, Jarnier D, Julien J, Gambetti P. Prion encephalopathy with insertion of octapeptide repeats: the number of repeats determines the type of cerebellar deposits. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 1998; 24:125-30. [PMID: 9634208 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2990.1998.00098.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We studied modifications of the molecular layer of the cerebellum in three patients with octapeptide repeat insertion (OPRI). Two brothers carrying a six-OPRI showed only spongiosis in haematoxylin & eosin preparations (H&E), whereas immunocytochemical examination (ICC) with an antiprion protein (PrP) antibody revealed numerous elongated PrP deposits. The third patient from a family with an eight-OPRI had numerous plaques visible in H&E preparations and had been diagnosed as Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker syndrome. So far, 15 other cases from seven families and three individual cases with OPRI have undergone neuropathological examination. Characteristic PrP deposits were seen in six other cases, two isolated cases with a four- and a seven-OPRI, whereas four cases with a six-OPRI came from three different families. Such deposits have never been reported in other cases of prion encephalopathy, without OPRI. Genuine plaques were observed in five out of the 15 other patients. Interestingly, four had an eight-OPRI and one a nine-OPRI. Cases with OPRI are prone to develop different PrP deposits: those only visible on ICC are not to be confused with genuine plaques visible in H&E preparations. Elongated PrP deposits are present in cases with a four- to seven-OPRI, whereas plaques are present when there is an eight- or a nine-OPRI. All these cases should be termed prion encephalopathy with OPRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vital
- Laboratoire de Neuropathologie, Victor Segalen University, Bordeaux, France
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14
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Gallagher EJ. The prion paradox. J Emerg Med 1997; 15:721-3. [PMID: 9348066 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-4679(97)00154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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15
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Bell JE, Gentleman SM, Ironside JW, McCardle L, Lantos PL, Doey L, Lowe J, Fergusson J, Luthert P, McQuaid S, Allen IV. Priori protein immunocytochemistry — UK five centre consensus report. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 1997. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.1997.tb01182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Prusiner
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94143, USA
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17
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Collinge J, Palmer MS, Sidle KC, Hill AF, Gowland I, Meads J, Asante E, Bradley R, Doey LJ, Lantos PL. Unaltered susceptibility to BSE in transgenic mice expressing human prion protein. Nature 1995; 378:779-83. [PMID: 8524411 DOI: 10.1038/378779a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative conditions of humans and animals. Prions consist principally of a post-translationally modified form of prion protein (PrP), PrP(Sc), which is partly protease resistant. Transmission of prion diseases between species is limited by a 'species barrier' determined in part by the degree of sequence homology between host PrP and inoculated PrP(Sc) (ref.3) and by prion strain type. The epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United Kingdom and other countries has led to concerns that transmission to humans may occur by dietary exposure. BSE appears to be caused by a single strain, distinct from those of natural or experimental scrapie, which is also seen in the new prion diseases of cats and ruminants that have presumably arisen from dietary BSE exposure. Here we show that transgenic mice expressing human PrP in addition to mouse PrP can generate human PrP(Sc) and 'human' prions. These mice therefore provide a model to study experimentally the species barrier limiting BSE transmission to humans. Incubation periods to BSE in transgenic mice are not shortened by expression of human PrP, and only mouse PrP(Sc) is produced in response to such challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Collinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, London, UK
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18
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Abstract
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is characterized by a loss of neurons accompanied by astrogliosis and spongiform changes in the neuropil. It has been recognized that reactive microglia occur in CJD but little is known about the regional distribution and extent of the microglial activation. We have, therefore, examined six brains from cases of sporadic CJD by immunohistochemical labelling of grey and white matter microglia from frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, striatum, thalamus, cerebellum and brain stem with RCA-1, LCA, CD68, HLA-DR, and HAM56. Microglial activation occurred in the grey matter where astrogliosis and prion protein (PrP) deposits were prominent. Processes of activated microglia surrounded the outer rim of spongy vacuoles. A diffuse microglial response was seen in the white matter that was immunophenotypically different from grey matter. Double-labelling with microglial markers and anti-PrP showed that activated microglia did not contain PrP-immunoreactivity. Therefore a primary role of microglia in PrP processing seems unlikely. Activated microglia may contribute to neuronal damage in CJD due to their cytotoxic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mühleisen
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
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Budka H, Aguzzi A, Brown P, Brucher JM, Bugiani O, Gullotta F, Haltia M, Hauw JJ, Ironside JW, Jellinger K. Neuropathological diagnostic criteria for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and other human spongiform encephalopathies (prion diseases). Brain Pathol 1995; 5:459-66. [PMID: 8974629 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1995.tb00625.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathological diagnostic criteria for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and other human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (prion diseases) are proposed for the following disease entities: CJD--sporadic, iatrogenic (recognised risk) or familial (same disease in 1st degree relative): spongiform encephalopathy in cerebral and/or cerebellar cortex and/or subcortical grey matter; or encephalopathy with prion protein (PrP) immunoreactivity (plaque and/or diffuse synaptic and/or patchy/perivacuolar types). Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) (in family with dominantly inherited progressive ataxia and/or dementia): encephalo(myelo)pathy with multicentric PrP plaques. Familial fatal insomnia (FFI) (in member of a family with PRNP178 mutation): thalamic degeneration, variable spongiform change in cerebrum. Kuru (in the Fore population). Without PrP data, the crucial feature is the spongiform change accompanied by neuronal loss and gliosis. This spongiform change is characterised by diffuse or focally clustered small round or oval vacuoles in the neuropil of the deep cortical layers, cerebellar cortex or subcortical grey matter, which might become confluent. Spongiform change should not be confused with non-specific spongiosis. This includes status spongiosus ("spongiform state"), comprising irregular cavities in gliotic neuropil following extensive neuronal loss (including also lesions of "burnt-out" CJD), "spongy" changes in brain oedema and metabolic encephalopathies, and artefacts such as superficial cortical, perineuronal, or perivascular vacuolation; focal changes indistinguishable from spongiform change may occur in some cases of Alzheimer's and diffuse Lewy body diseases. Very rare cases might not be diagnosed by these criteria. Then confirmation must be sought by additional techniques such as PrP immunoblotting, preparations for electron microscopic examination of scrapie associated fibrils (SAF), molecular biologic studies, or experimental transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Budka
- Institute of Neurology, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
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van Keulen LJ, Schreuder BE, Meloen RH, Poelen-van den Berg M, Mooij-Harkes G, Vromans ME, Langeveld JP. Immunohistochemical detection and localization of prion protein in brain tissue of sheep with natural scrapie. Vet Pathol 1995; 32:299-308. [PMID: 7604497 DOI: 10.1177/030098589503200312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A converted form of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP) accumulates in the brains of sheep with scrapie. We describe an immunohistochemical method for identifying scrapie-associated PrP (PrPSc) in periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde-fixed brain tissue, which provides adequate preservation of tissue morphology. After pretreatment of tissue sections with formic acid and hydrated autoclaving, we located PrPSc in the brains of 50 sheep with natural scrapie by use of antipeptide antisera raised against ovine PrP. No PrP was seen in 20 sheep without histopathologic signs of scrapie. PrPSc that did not stain for amyloid was present in the cytoplasm and at the cell membrane of both neurons and astrocytes. Large amounts of PrPSc were seen at the cell membrane of neurons in the medulla oblongata and pons, whereas PrPSc accumulated at the cell membrane of astrocytes of the glial limitans in all brain regions. PrPSc that stained for amyloid was located in the walls of blood vessels and perivascularly in the brains of 32 (64%) of 50 sheep, mainly in the thalamus and never in the pons or medulla oblongata. No apparent topographic relationship existed between PrPSc that stained for amyloid and PrPSc accumulation associated with neurons or astrocytes. In all scrapie-affected sheep, PrPSc was present in brain regions with vacuolation, but it could also be detected in regions with minimal or no vacuolation. We conclude that the immunohistochemical detection of PrP can be an important confirmative test in scrapie diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J van Keulen
- Department of Pathobiology, Central Veterinary Institute, Lelystad, The Netherlands
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Richardson EP, Masters CL. The nosology of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and conditions related to the accumulation of PrPCJD in the nervous system. Brain Pathol 1995; 5:33-41. [PMID: 7767489 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1995.tb00575.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although typical cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are readily recognized pathologically and clinically, variant forms often pose a diagnostic challenge. From the 1920's, when this disease was first characterized, until quite recently diagnosis relied heavily on morphologic changes. New advances in immunoassays and PrP gene analysis now provide important adjuncts in recognizing the spectrum of disorders of PrP metabolism associated with these transmissible encephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Richardson
- Charles S Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114-2696, USA
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Hayward PA, Bell JE, Ironside JW. Prion protein immunocytochemistry: reliable protocols for the investigation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 1994; 20:375-83. [PMID: 7808588 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.1994.tb00983.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Current criteria for the histological diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) include features such as spongiform change, neuronal loss and reactive gliosis which are shared to a varying extent with other neuro-degenerative disorders. Reliable visualization of prion protein (PrP) has substantial potential value in diagnostic practice and as a research tool, since accumulation of the disease-associated isoform of this protein is apparently specific for spongiform encephalopathies. A number of antisera against PrP have previously been employed in conjunction with a range of pre-treatments designed to optimize the specificity of immunostaining; such varied usage makes the comparison and interpretation of results difficult. This study was undertaken to identify optimal combinations of each of three PrP antisera and five pre-treatments designed to specifically demonstrate disease-specific PrP in a series of seven CJD cases, six cases of Alzheimer-type dementia and six non-demented control cases. Specific staining of amyloid plaques, spongiform neuropil, neurons and, occasionally, astrocytes was achieved in CJD cases. Alzheimer and control cases were unstained. Use of formic acid with guanidine thiocyanate, and hydrolytic autoclaving with IB3 and SP30 antisera proved most effective and can be recommended for future immunocytochemical studies. PrP immunocytochemistry revealed a greater extent of subcortical neural involvement than routine histological techniques in CJD; the relationship between classical neuropathology in CJD and PrP accumulation as revealed by immunocytochemistry is not clear cut and requires further investigation. These findings may help to broaden our understanding of human spongiform encephalopathies, and have implications for diagnostic practices in neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Hayward
- University Department of Pathology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract
The prion diseases, sometimes referred to as the "transmissible spongiform encephalopathies," include kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease of humans as well as scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy of animals. For many years, the prion diseases were thought to be caused by viruses despite intriguing evidence to the contrary. The unique characteristic common to all of these disorders, whether sporadic, dominantly inherited, or acquired by infection, is that they involve the aberrant metabolism of the prion protein (PrP). In many cases, the cellular prion protein is converted into the scrapie isoform by a posttranslational process that involves a conformational change. Often, the human prion diseases are transmissible to experimental animals and all of the inherited prion diseases segregate with PrP gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Prusiner
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0518
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Prion Diseases. DEMENTIA 1994. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-6805-6_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
Frontal lobe dementia (FLD) is a syndromal diagnosis with a variable pathology. It has been argued that FLD is a dementing disorder which should be nosologically and etiologically distinguished from other types of dementia. However, similarities with prior disease and Alzheimer's disease have led to the suggestion that FLD is a variant of one or other of these dementias. We have tested this line of argument by examining the frontal cortex and cerebellum of 14 FLD cases and probing the molecular pathology using well characterized antibodies to prion protein and beta-amyloid protein. No prion protein deposits or significant levels of beta-amyloid protein were detected. FLD is a dementing disorder whose molecular pathology, whilst as yet uncharacterised, can be distinguished from those of other dementing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Clinton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, Imperial College, London, UK
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