Frontiers of Neuroimmunology
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Winter 1992
Volume 3, Number 2
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Abstracts
of this issue appear
below. Send e-mail or call 303-788-4010 to order a printed copy.
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 Abstracts
Polymyositis
and Dermatomyositis: Current Theories of Viral
Pathogenesis and Treatment Modalities
Neil L. Rosenberg, MD
Polymyositis
and dermatomyositis are the most common of the idiopathic
inflammatory myopathies. The etiology and pathogenesis of
these disorders are unknown. Recent studies have
suggested that certain viruses, particularly the
picornaviruses, may be involved in the induction of
polymyositis and dermatomyositis. This induction
mechanism may be through antigenic mimicry. This article
reviews current thought regarding the viral pathogenesis
and treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
Multiple
Sclerosis: Theories of Immunopathogenesis and Current
Approaches to Treatment
Jane A. Burnham, MD, Ronald S. Murray, MD
Current
evidence supports the hypothesis that the immune system
is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
(MS). However, specific data which proves an autoimmune
origin is still lacking. Treatments aimed at suppressing
various portions of the immune system are being evaluated
for their potential benefit in MS. The current working
hypothesis for the immunopathogenesis of MS is reviewed,
followed by a summary of the various current and
potential immunomodulating therapies for MS.
Antiphospholipid
Antibodies in Neurologic Disease
Don B. Smith, MD
There is a
growing interest in the relationship between
antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) and various illnesses.
A major concern is that APLA pose a significant risk for
stroke. While much progress has been made in the
diagnosis of APLA syndromes, the most appropriate therapy
remains uncertain.
Central
Nervous System Manifestations of Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus (SLE)
Stephen V. Eppler, MD
Patients with
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may develop a wide
range of focal and diffuse disorders which affect the
central nervous system. This paper reviews the salient
clinical syndromes, associated pathophysiology and
immunology of SLE. The role of laboratory testing and
radiologic imaging in diagnostic evaluation is discussed,
as is a brief mention of treatment options.
Autoimmune
Peripheral Nerve Disorders
Marc M. Treihaft, MD
Guillain-Barre-Strohl
syndrome is an inflammatory polyneuropathy which is
classically referred to as a monophasic, symmetrically
progressive, ascending paralysis preceded by illness or
inoculation. The clinical manifestations have been
attributed to immune-mediated destruction of peripheral
nerve myelin. Current research has been directed at the
pathogenesis and immunology of the disease. With the
discovery of favorable responses to plasmapheresis and
gamma globulin, there has been renewed interest in the
humoral and cellular aspects of the disorder.
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