Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in three cases of polyneuritis equi.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- van Galen, G et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Science
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Polyneuritis equi (PNE) is a rare nerve disease that affects horses. In a study of three horses diagnosed with PNE, researchers looked at the type of immune cells present in the affected nerves. They found T-lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that can attack the protective covering of nerves, suggesting that the immune system is mistakenly targeting this covering. They also found B-lymphocytes, which produce antibodies, indicating that the immune response is active in the area. More studies are needed to understand the exact role of these immune cells in this condition.
Abstract
Polyneuritis equi (PNE) is a rare neurological disease in the horse. Because of the suspicion in PNE of a T-lymphocyte mediated immune response against the myelin, the objective of this study was to determine the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate in the involved nerves of 3 horses with PNE, studied retrospectively. T-lymphocytes were demonstrated in the lesions, which suggests a T-lymphocyte mediated immune response against myelin. In addition, the presence of B-lymphocytes indicated a local production of antibodies. More research, involving a prospective study, is needed to determine whether the T-lymphocytes are cytotoxic or T-helper lymphocytes.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18267887/