Peripheral nerve binding patterns of anti-sulphatide antibodies in HIV-infected individuals

HIV-POSITIVE plasma samples from patients with and without neuropathy and w ith high titre anti-GalS antibodies showed strong binding to the myelin mem brane of both fixed and unfixed human sciatic nerve specimens. This stainin g pattern was also seen with a plasma sample from a patient with IgM parapr oteinaemic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy with anti-GalS IgM antibod y. Teased nerve fibres incubated with these anti-GalS antibodies from both HIV and non-HIV plasma samples showed immunofluorescence at the paranodal r egions and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. These data support a potential role for these antibodies in the aetiology of HIV-associated immune mediated ne uropathies. NeuroReport 10:1659-1664 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins .