CSF analysis in patients with sporadic CJD and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Patients with suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) often have routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis performed to exclude treatable inflammatory conditions; however, little information is available about the range of results obtained for CSF tests in patients with sporadic CJD and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Data from 450 patients with sporadic CJD and 47 patients with other TSEs were collected as part of an EC-supported multinational study. Raised white cell counts of >5 cells/microl were found in three of 298 patients with sporadic CJD, with two cell counts of 7 cells/microl and one of 20 cells/microl. Total protein concentrations of >0.9 g/l were found in five of 438 patients with sporadic CJD, although none had a concentration of >1 g/l. CSF oligoclonal IgG was detected in eight of 182 sporadic CJD patients. Of the patients with other TSEs, six had elevated cell counts ranging from 6 to 14 cells/microl but none had total protein concentrations of >0.9 g/l and one patient had detectable oligoclonal IgG. None of the patients with sporadic CJD or other TSEs had abnormalities in all three tests.

Cell-type-specific enhancement of amyloid-beta deposition in a novel presenilin-1 mutation (P117L).

The presenilin-1 (PS1) gene mutation (Pro117Leu), recently identified in a Polish family is characterized by the earliest reported onset (from 24-31 years) of Alzheimer disease (AD) and a very short duration of disease (4-6 years). The neuropathology of 2 subjects with this PS1 mutation (ages at death: 35 and 37 years) was compared to four Down syndrome (DS) patients (mean age at death: 62 years) and 4 sporadic AD patients (mean age at death: 79 years with a mean duration of disease of 18 years). The Polish familial AD (FAD) patients showed a marked increase in the amyloid burden of 2 6-fold in most areas of the brain. The entorhinal cortex was an exception where the amyloid burden was similar in each category of patient. Some brain regions of the Polish FAD patients showed a massive increase of amyloid, such as the molecular layer of the cerebellum where a 7- and 25-fold increase was noted, compared with DS and sporadic AD patients respectively. The cerebellar vessel amyloid burden was also greatly increased in the FAD patients, reflecting a vascular compartment specific increase of amyloid beta deposition. The presence of this PS1 mutation has an even greater effect on both vascular and parenchymal amyloid deposition, than the overexpression of the amyloid beta precursor protein present in DS patients, suggesting that PS mutations can be a critical factor determining amyloid deposition.

Measles virus-specific immunoglobulin D antibody in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and multiple sclerosis.

Quantitation of measles-specific immunoglobulin D (IgD) antibody was carried out in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from 18 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), 12 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and seven normal controls with high measles antibody titers in serum, using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for human IgD and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Measles-specific IgD activity was significantly higher in CSF and serum from SSPE patients compared to that found in patients with MS or normal controls. The IgD antibody to measles virus was not due to high levels of measles-specific IgG since significant measles IgD activity was found after eluting IgG from SSPE serum. The increased level of measles-specific IgD found in SSPE sera is consistent with the levels observed in patients with acute and chronic viral infections.

The effects of early postnatal stimulation on Morris water-maze acquisition in adult mice: genetic and maternal factors.

Following stressor exposure BALB/cByJ mice exhibit hypersecretion of corticosterone and marked brain catecholamine alterations. In addition, mice of this strain exhibit impairments of performance in a Morris water-maze, which may be exacerbated by footshock application. In the present investigation it was demonstrated that early-life handling of mouse pups (coupled with brief separation periods from the dam over the course of 21 days postpartum) reduced the learning impairments seen when mice were tested in the Morris water-maze at 120 days of age and also prevented stress-induced disturbances in this task. Likewise, cross-fostering BALB/cByJ mice with a C57BL/6ByJ dam prevented the performance deficits. In contrast, C57BL/6ByJ mice cross-fostered to a BALB/cByJ dam exhibited proficient performance. Thus, maternal factors may be important in determining the Morris water-maze disturbances, provided that this was applied on the BALB/cByJ genetic background. Stressor exposure exacerbated the performance disturbances in BALB/cByJ mice, while diazepam treatment disrupted Morris water-maze performance in both BALB/cByJ and C57BL/6ByJ mice. Paralleling the behavioral changes associated with handling, the stress-induced hypercorticosterone secretion characteristic of the BALB/cByJ mouse was attenuated by the early handling procedure. Stressor exposure also produced strain-dependent variations of NE and 5-HT, but these effects were not appreciably influenced by the handling procedure. These data are consistent with the proposition that performance disturbances of BALB/cByJ mice tested in the Morris water-maze task are associated with excessive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal reactivity. Moreover, it appears that the influence of early-life stimulation may interact with genetic factors in determining endocrine and behavioral stress responses.

A novel Polish presenilin-1 mutation (P117L) is associated with familial Alzheimer's disease and leads to death as early as the age of 28 years.

The majority of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is associated with mutations in the presenilin-1 (PS1) gene. We describe a novel Polish PS1 mutation of Pro117Leu, associated with the earliest average age of onset and death so far reported in a PS-linked, FAD kindred. Human kidney 293 and mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells were stably transfected with wild-type and PS1 P117L. There was a significant increase in the amyloid beta42/40 ratio in the N2a P117L PS1 transfected cells compared with N2a transfected with wild-type PS1. What role PS has in the pathogenesis of AD remains to be determined, however, the severity of the clinical picture associated with this PS1 mutation stresses the importance of presenilin.

Abolished phosphaturic response to parathormone in adult patients with Fahr disease and its restoration after propranolol administration.

The similar localization of intracranial calcification in hypoparathyroidism and in Fahr disease without parathyroid gland disorder suggests that in these two disorders the pathomechanism of calcium phosphate deposition in the brain may be similar. It may be that in Fahr disease some factors, such as chronic respiratory alkalosis, could lead to hypoparathyroidism-like changes in the brain tissue. Abolition of the phosphaturic response to parathormone (PTH) was recently demonstrated in acute experimental hypocapnia. In three adult patients with Fahr disease, a tendency towards compensatory respiratory alkalosis and arterial hypocapnia was found. The parathormone test revealed a marked decrease in phosphaturia response to PTH, but normal cAMP response. In one patient, the parathormone test was repeated during propranolol administration and showed a considerable improvement in the phosphaturic response to parathormone. It is postulated that chronic hyperventilation and hypocapnia as well as phosphaturic resistance to PTH, intracellular increase of phosphate concentration and development of hypoparathyroidism-like intracranial calcification in patients with Fahr disease could all be caused by disturbance of adrenergic receptors and their relationship to PTH receptors.

Measles antibodies in the saliva of children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Using the method of haemagglutination inhibition, the authors determined the levels of measles antibodies in the saliva of 14 children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. In 13 of them these antibodies were found in titres from 1:8 to 1:128. In the control groups, comprising 29 children, these antibodies were found in the saliva in only two cases and in low titres. There appears to be a correlation between the levels of these antibodies in the saliva and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Prevalence of measles antibodies in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in Poland in the years 1971--1978.

Between 1971 and 1978, clinical centres in four provinces of Poland reported 107 cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This series comprised 73.8% boys and 26.2% girls. Most children were aged 6--8 years, and 66% of them had had measles in the first two years of life. As compared with a control group the geometric means of the haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies and neutralizing antibodies were between ten and twenty times higher in SSPE patients. Determinations of the levels of antibodies carried out several times during the disease showed a rise of the titres to values as high as 1 : 128,000 in the serum and 1 : 1,024 in the cerebrospinal fluid in some cases.

Motor evoked potential studies in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

OBJECTIVES: Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded in 7 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) to asses the involvement of pyramidal motor pathways in these cases. The diagnosis of CJD was confirmed by autopsy in 5 cases and based on clinical data in two cases. METHODS: Transcranial (MEP-cortex), root magnetic (MEP-root) and electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves (F-wave, direct M-response) were performed. The cortical excitability threshold, F-wave frequency, MEP amplitudes, peripheral motor conduction velocity, standardized distal latencies and central, root, and F-wave conduction times were evaluated. RESULTS: The results of MEP testing were markedly abnormal. Cortical excitability thresholds were elevated, MEP amplitudes were reduced while the conduction function was rather preserved. The features of functional disturbances and/or loss of upper and lower motor neurons were revealed. They correlated with the advancement of key clinical CJD symptoms (progressive dementia, extrapyramidal and cerebellar signs, myoclonic jerks, mutism and typical periodic EEG changes), while motor lesion signs might only be slight or absent. CONCLUSIONS: Conduction slowing, if present, seemed to be secondary to axonal lesion.

Effect of treatment on oligoclonal IgG bands and intrathecal IgG synthesis in sequential cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Oligoclonal IgG bands were analyzed in matching pairs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum from 12 subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) patients, using isoelectric focusing and immunofixation. Each patient was given isoprinosine, and four of the 12 patients were given alpha-interferon in addition. Two to 4 serial CSF and serum samples were collected from each SSPE patient during periods ranging from 1 to 16 months. In 3 SSPE patients a small number of new oligoclonal bands were seen in the follow-up CSF samples. In the other 9 SSPE patients there was no change in CSF band patterns between initial and follow-up specimens. Band patterns in serum remained unchanged between initial and follow-up samples. Although all 12 SSPE cases had higher IgG indices and increased rate of intra blood-brain barrier (BBB) IgG synthesis in comparison to patients with other neurological diseases, the values did not significantly differ between the first and follow-up specimens. We conclude that treatment of SSPE patients with isoprinosine or with isoprinosine and alpha-interferon had no significant effect on the CSF oligoclonal band profiles or IgG synthesis within the central nervous system.

The history of studies on subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in Poland.

The main trends are described in the studies of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis conducted in Poland or abroad with participation of Polish scientists. The history of these studies began in the years 1957-1959 with the works of Wender and Osetowska and ends presently at the end of our century with extinction of SSPE as a result of consistently conducted obligatory vaccinations against measles. The studies of Polish authors involved the problems of clinical diagnosis using immunological, electrophysiological and neurological imaging methods. Neuropathological problems were also studied extensively. Parallely with similar studies in the foremost foreign centres trials of SSPE treatment were undertaken in Poland, in recent years by means of intracerebroventricular administration of interferons. An original Polish method was the treatment with inducers of endogenous interferons. After the introduction of vaccinations against measles epidemiological studies repeated in the whole country were introduced for the assessment of the results of this preventive measure. These studies are regarded as model ones at international level.

Multiple system atrophy.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system with three components, usually variously expressed: nigrostriatal degeneration (NSD), olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) and Shy-Drager syndrome of autonomic system dysfunction (SDS). The clinical progression of MSA leads to death in a shorter time than in any of the components occurring separately. A common, and according to some authors, pathognomonic neuropathological finding in MSA cases is the presence of argyrophilic inclusions in the cytoplasm of glial cells, mainly oligodendrocytes, in the structures of the encephalon with most pronounced atrophic changes.

Epidemiological studies on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Poland.

The epidemiological, clinical and neuropathological study of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in Poland was established in 1996. It was preceded by wide, repeated informative action among neurologists and psychiatrists in the whole country. The investigations were partially sponsored by the European Commission (E.C.) as part of the programme Biomed 1. The results obtained by us during the first three years of the study are presented in this paper. In 1996-1998 over 60 probable or possible cases of CJD (or information about them) were referred to our Institute. Neuropathologically typical changes for spongiform encephalopathy were found in 28 cases (among them four cases in laboratories of Medical Schools in Szczecin and Poznan). Neuropathological evaluation was based on paraffin slices stained by H-E, PAS, Bielschowsky, Kanzler-Arendt and Klüver-Barrera methods. In certain cases antibody 3F4 was used. In three patients only clinically probable CJD were diagnosed, since neuropathology was not done. In twenty-five persons, a detailed inquiry form was filled in after the model indicated by the E.C. As the result of processing the whole material, we diagnosed in twenty-four patients a sporadic form of CJD. The remaining case belonged to a family with Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome. In sporadic CJD cases examined and observed by us no exogenic risk factors for the disease could be detected.

Amyotrophic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with rapid course in 82-year-old man.

The authors present a case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in 82-year-old man. Besides the onset of the disease in the elderly and short survival time (8 weeks), other uncommon clinical and morphological features also characterized our case. An evident amyotrophic syndrome, confirmed in morphological findings, developed soon after the CJD onset. The spongiform change also observed within the white matter of cerebral hemispheres allowed us to diagnose the 'panencephalopathic' form of CJD.

Molecular analysis of PRNP gene in Polish population and in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

In our study we have examined allelic variation of codon 129 among the Polish population as well as Polish and Dutch CJD cases. The open reading frame of the PrP gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR product was digested with Nsp I and Mae II endonucleases and separated by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and, finally, sequenced by the Sanger dideoxy-mediated chain-termination method. To obtain population data we have screened 109 unrelated Polish adults. There were 45% of methionine homozygotes, 16% of valine homozygotes and 3% of heterozygotes. Among Polish CJD cases, 75% were methionine homozygous, 12.5% were valine homozygous and 12.5% were heterozygous, whereas among Dutch CJD cases it was 29% of Met/Met and 71% of Met/Val genotypes.

Report on the first polish case of the Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome.

In the course of epidemiological studies on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Poland, the authors found a male patient aged 54 years with dementia rapidly progressing for a year and ataxia of the extremities. EEG tracings were abnormal but without features typical of CJD. About six months after hospitalisation the patient died. Neuropathological examination of his brain demonstrated spongiform lesions of medium intensity present mainly in the cortex of frontal and occipital lobes, with slight proliferation of astroglia. In the cerebellar cortex numerous deposits of PAS-positive substance amorphous or in the shape of kuru plaques were disclosed. A smaller number of these plaques were found in the cortex of occipital and temporal lobes, and in the putamen. All deposits stained strongly with monoclonal 3F4 antibody to human prion protein (PrP). Genetic studies disclosed in the 20th chromosome, in the PrP gene, mutation at codon 102 (P102L). Codon 129 was homozygous for methionine (M129M). It was established, moreover, that patient's father had at the same age a similar disease and died after one year and patient's sister died after a six-year-long neurological disease diagnosed as multiple sclerosis. On the basis of clinical, genetic and neuropathological findings the authors diagnosed the Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome, a familial prion disease with autosomal dominant character. This is the first report on this syndrome in Poland.

Multifocal central nervous system glioma--a case history.

A case history of the multifocal brain glioma in 13-year-old girl is reported. Numerous neoplasmatic foci were found using MRI within the vermis and cerebellar hemisphere and, later, also within the brain stem, cervical spinal cord and both brain hemispheres. Bioptical examination of the tumors revealed the structure of anaplastic astrocytoma with oligodendromatous component. The authors suggest that the foci may be considered as multiple metastases from the primary cerebellar astrocytoma and the neoplastic cells might have been transported within CNS through cerebrospinal fluid.

Microglia and neuritic plaques in familial Alzheimer's disease induced by a new mutation of presenilin-1 gene. An ultrastructural study.

The results of the ultrastructural study of the brains of two sisters with familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced by a new mutation of presenilin-1 (PS-1) gene who died at the young age (35 and 37 years) are presented. In both cases, the changes typical of AD with particularly large number of neuritic plaques (NPs) were found. Microglial cells were located between amyloid core and neurites. At the ultrastructural level, the content of microglial cytoplasm was differentiated (amyloid fibrils or/and phagocytic bodies). This may suggest that microglial cells participate in forming of amyloid fibrils and/or phagocytosis of amyloid.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). A case report.

The authors present a case of relatively rare tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) in a 19-year-old female, who died 18 months after the first manifestation of meningismus, increased intracranial pressure and secondary hydrocephalus. Brain autopsy revealed abundant neoplastic infiltrations, which spread through the subarachnoid space. Neoplastic infiltrations were also present in the third ventricle and in a form of small subependymal nodules along the whole ventricular system. The microscopical examination showed that neoplasm consisted of small cells, which formed neuroblastic Homer Wright rosettes. Immunohistochemical studies (for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, GFAP, vimentin) together with morphology and localization of neoplasm suggested diagnosis of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) that spread mainly in the leptomeninges and caused obliteration of subarachnoid space.

Adult schizophrenic-like variant of adrenoleukodystrophy.

A 35-year-old man died after 30 months following the onset of the disease. There was a history of changes in his mental condition, including disturbances of behavior as well as the evidence of progressing dementia. The patient revealed gait disturbances and finally became bed ridden. Bizarre behavior and changes of mood with concurrent growing irritability which predominated during the course of disease, may explain the initial diagnosis of schizophrenia. Then cerebellar and spastic movement disorders leading to paraparesis and sphincters disturbances developed. Clinical symptoms of adrenal failure were not found apart from episodes of arterial pressure fall. After two years a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an extensive diffuse demyelinative process in white matter of cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Activity of lysosomal enzymes was normal. A general autopsy revealed atrophy of adrenal cortex and the presence of ballooned cells with striated cytoplasm in the reticular and fasciculate zones. Neuropathological examination revealed an extensive demyelination of white matter in cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres and of the long paths of the brain stem, corresponding to changes in MRI examination. Within demyelination areas damage of axons and diffuse cellular and fibrous gliosis were found as well as perivascular lymphocytic infiltrations with the presence of strong PAS (+) and Sudan (+) macrophages. Immunocytochemical reactions with HAM-56 and RCA1 in macrophages were positive. Electron microscopy examination revealed lamellar inclusions in cytoplasm of macrophages. Similar structures were present in the lysosomes of astrocytes. Morphological examination of adrenal glands as well as morphological and ultrastructural study of the brain allowed us to diagnose the cerebral form of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Topography and character of the brain changes seems to be in keeping with a rare schizophrenic-like variant of ALD with progressive dementia. Abnormal plasma profile and increased VLCFA concentration in the patient's 13-year-old daughter confirm the ALD diagnosis.