Degeneration of rabbit sensory neurons induced by passive transfer of anti-GD1b antiserum

Systemic infusion of high-titer anti-GD1b antiserum to two rabbits pre-inoc ulated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin and Freund's complete adjuvant was pe rformed. The two rabbits had low-titer anti-GD1b antibody in sera. Although no apparent clinical signs were observed, pathological examinations showed vacuolar degeneration with macrophage infiltration in a few axons in the d orsal columns of the spinal cords from the two rabbits. No such pathologica l changes were observed in the other two pre-inoculated rabbits infused wit h normal rabbit sera. Anti-GD1b antibody therefore may cause degeneration i n rabbit sensory neurons with central axons extending to the dorsal column. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.