CD8 positive T-cell infiltration in the dentate nucleus of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration

J Neuroimmunol. 2009 Mar 31;208(1-2):136-40. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2009.01.017. Epub 2009 Feb 13.

Abstract

Recent reports have discussed the presence of cytotoxic T cells in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD). We report an autopsy case of PCD associated with anti-Hu antibody, in which we revealed infiltration of CD8+ T cells in and around the dentate nucleus but not in the cerebellar cortex, in addition to severe Purkinje cell loss. Some infiltrated mononuclear cells expressed cytotoxic cell marker, Granzyme B. Decrease of neurons and reduced presynapses were demonstrated in the dentate nucleus. This is the first report that suggests the possibility of the dentate nucleus being primarily attacked followed by Purkinje cell loss in PCD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Cell Movement / immunology*
  • Cerebellar Cortex / chemistry
  • Cerebellar Cortex / immunology
  • Cerebellar Cortex / pathology
  • Cerebellar Nuclei / chemistry
  • Cerebellar Nuclei / immunology*
  • Cerebellar Nuclei / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration / immunology*
  • Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration / pathology*