Characterization of anti-gangliosides antibodies present in an experimental model of neuropathy

FUNES SC; CHIARI ME; NORES GA

Buenos Aires

Simposio; GlycoAR 2014; 2014

Numerous publications relate the presence of anti-GM1 antibodies with the development of Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) but little is known about the mechanisms by which these antibodies are originated. We induced an experimental neuropathy (resembling GBS) by sensitization of rabbits with bovine brain gangliosides (BBG) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Four groups were prepared: Group 1 immunized with BBG and KLH; and Control groups: Group 2 only with KLH, Group 3 only with BBG and Group 4 immunized with BBG and KLH separately. Rabbit serum samples were obtained periodically and screened for gangliosides (Gg) immunoreactivity by TLC-immunostaining. Titles were measured using ELISA. Rabbits from group 1 develop the neuropathy and showed anti-GM1 IgG antibodies. In contrast, those from the three control groups stay healthy and were negative for those antibodies. Interesting anti-GM1 antibodies present in sick rabbits were partially blocked by preincubation with soluble KLH, indicating cross-reactivity. In Group 2 was detected weak antibody reactivity of IgG antibodies recognizing GA1, a ganglioside structurally related to GM1. These antibodies were completely blocked by KLH. These results suggest that Gg not possess the ability to generate IgG response but can redirect the anti-KLH response toward GA1 and more complex gangliosides.