Evolution of the cellular response in P2-induced experimental allergic neuritis.

We examined the development of the inflammatory cellular response and demyelination in P2 protein-induced experimental allergic neuritis (EAN). Collections of inflammatory cells were first identified in nerve roots 14 days after immunization. Ia+ cells predominated in the evolving lesions and T-helper cells were the dominant T-cell type with T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells appearing later in the course of the disease. Vesiculation, the earliest change seen in the myelin sheath, appeared before the wave of cellular infiltration. These results indicate that myelin injury precedes inflammation in P2 protein-induced EAN, and provide further evidence that this disorder is indistinguishable from EAN induced with whole peripheral nerve myelin.