PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - McQuaid, Conor
AU  - Jacob, Anu
AU  - Patabendige, Adjanie
TI  - EFFECT OF TYSABRI AND AQP4-IGG ON AN IN-VITRO MODEL OF BBB
AID  - 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309236.162
DP  - 2014 Oct 01
TA  - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
PG  - e4--e4
VI  - 85
IP  - 10
4099  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/85/10/e4.71.short
4100  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/85/10/e4.71.full
SO  - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry2014 Oct 01; 85
AB  - Background Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is an inflammatory, astrocytopathic, demyelinating disease of the CNS mediated by anti AQP4-IgG that targets the AQP4 protein, the dominant water channel on astrocyte foot processes at the blood brain barrier (BBB). Natalizimumab (NTZ, Tysabri) prevents migration of activated T lymphocytes across the BBB and is effective in preventing inflammation in MS. However, for unknown reasons, NTZ worsens NMO, precipitating relapses. We explored the effect of NTZ on a model of BBB.Methods Using an in-vitro culture model of BBB (Human Brain Endothelial Cells (HBEC) and Human Astrocytes) tightness of HBEC layer was measured using Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER).Results Addition of NTZ to the model caused TEER values to reduce significantly compared to control. Addition of AQP4-IgG and NTZ caused further significant reduction of TEER. Addition of just the AQP4-IgG did not have any effect.Conclusion NTZ apparently lowers surrogate measures of BBB integrity in the presence of AQP4-IgG. Whether this in vitro effect translates to easier access of AQP4-IgG to the AQP4 in-vivo or predisposes to attacks is uncertain and is being explored.