Neutrophils secreting tumor necrosis factor alpha infiltrate the central nervous system of BALB/c mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be induced in resistant BALB/c mice by ultrasound-formed adjuvant emulsion. In contrast to susceptible mouse strains large numbers of neutrophils secreting TNF-α occupied the central nervous system (CNS) of BALB/c mice with severe EAE, whereas only small numbers of macrophages and CD4 + T-cells could be detected. CNS infiltration was preceded with activation of microglial cells. Ultrasound formed adjuvant induced early IFN-γ expression in popliteal lymph nodes of BALB/c mice, whereas conventional adjuvant induced delayed IFN-γ production. Although the clinical outcome of EAE was similar to that seen in susceptible mice, the pathogenesis was distinct having possible implications on the different forms seen in multiple sclerosis.