Detection by 4-parameter microscopic imaging and increase of rare mononuclear blood leukocyte types expressing the FcγRIII receptor (CD 16) for immunoglobulin G in human sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Abstract

By using quantitative multiparameter microscopic imaging we demonstrate concentration of two peripheral mononuclear blood leukocyte types expressing the FcγRIII receptor for immunogobulin G in a clinical subgroup of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, n = 9) showing bulbar palsy (ALS BP) and/or predominant involvement of the upper motor neuron (ALS C). Triple fluorescence staining and overlay with phase contrast images (4 parameters) reveals that cell type 1 co-expresses FcγRIII (CD16), CD8 and CD57 surface antigens (ALS C) 50 ± 33.6 cells/μl, P = 0.0012; ALS BP 16.5 ± 32.4, P = 0.029). This cell type is not observed in healthy individuals ( n = 8) and is only insignificantly increased ( P > 0.05) in neurological disease controls (stroke, n = 3, 2.1 ± 3.7; polymyositis, n = 6, 1.5 ± 4.0 cells/μl) and in ALS cases with peripheral symptoms (ALS P n = 12: 7.6 ± 8.7). Cell type 2 co-expresses FcγRIII (CD16) and CD8, but is negative for CD57 (ALS C 60.1 ± 19.3; ALS BP 24.2 ± 28.0 cells/μl). These findings are consistent with previous reports on IgG isotype changes and immune-cell invasion of the motor system in ALS.