The role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was studied by the blocking the action of ET-1 with a receptor antagonist, BQ-123. Intrathecal administration of BQ-123 significantly ameliorated EAE progression at the peak stage of EAE (p<0.05). By immunohistochemistry, ED-1-positive macrophages in EAE lesions were identified as major producers of ET-1, whereas the immunoreactivity of ET-1 on brain cells, such as astrocytes, was dramatically increased in accordance with the progression of EAE. This study points to a putative pro-1nflammatory role for ET-1 in the pathogenesis of EAE. One possible application for the ET-1 receptor antagonist might be helpful in the therapy of autoimmune neurological disorders.

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To investigate whether phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is involved in autoimmune damage to the eyes, we used Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression and distribution of PLD1 in the retinas of Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Western blot analysis showed that the level of expression of PLD1 was significantly increased in EAU-affected retinas compared to that of control. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that ganglion cells and Muller cells, which express PLD1 weakly in the normal retina, showed increased expression of PLD1 in EAU-affected retinas; some ED1-immunopositive cells were also immunopositive for PLD1 in lesions at post-immunization days 14 and 21. These results suggest that the increased expression of PLD1 in inflammatory cells exacerbates an autoimmune response in EAU, while its expression in ganglion cells limits cell loss by activation of survival factors in eyes with autoimmune injury.