Brain immunohistopathological study in a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis

Eur J Neurol. 2011 Jun;18(6):929-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03180.x. Epub 2010 Aug 16.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Anti-N-methyl-D-asparate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is thought to be antibody-mediated. To perform an immunohistopathological study of the inflammatory reaction in a brain biopsy performed before immunomodulatory treatments in a patient with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Methods: An immunohistochemical study was performed using CD3, CD68, CD20, CD138 and CD1a antibodies.

Results: Prominent B-cell cuffing was present around brain vessels accompanied by some plasma cells, while macrophages and T cells were scattered throughout the brain parenchyma.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the B cells interact with the T cells and are involved in antibody secretion by the plasma cells.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autoantibodies / adverse effects
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / pathology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Cerebral Arteries / immunology
  • Cerebral Arteries / pathology
  • Encephalitis / immunology*
  • Encephalitis / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / immunology
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / pathology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate