Objective: To examine the expression of mRNA of Oxford 40(OX40) and Oxford 40 ligand(OX40L) in the sciatic nerve, spleen, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymph nodes of experimental allegic neuritis (EAN).
Methods: Thirty-six Lewis rats were randomly assigned into an EAN group and a CFA group. The rats were sacrificed on 9th, 17th, and 26th day after immunization. OX40 and OX40L mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in the spleen, sciatic nerves, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphonodes.
Results: The peak of clinical course came on 17th day after the immunization in EAN. The mRNA expression of OX40/OX40L was higher on 8th day and 17th day than that on 26th day after the immunization (P<0.05). There was significant difference between the EAN group and the CFA group at the 3 time points (P<0.05); rats in the CFA group didn't have any clinical manifestations. The mRNA expression of OX40 and OX40L in the EAN group raised in the sciatic nerves and lymph nodes at the above 3 time points (P<0.05). Weak expression was seen in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Conclusion: OX40 and OX40L may play a role in the pathogenesis of experimental allegic neuritis.