Myelin-specific autoantibodies associated with central nervous system demyelination in canine distemper virus infection.

Sera from dogs with spontaneously occurring and experimentally produced canine distemper virus-associated demyelinating encephalitis were examined for antibodies to central nervous system myelin by the complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescent methods. Complement-fixing immunoglobulin M antibodies and non-complement-fixing immunoglobulin G antibodies were found in 97% of the spontaneous cases. In comparison, only 28% of control sera contained these antibodies; furthermore, mean antibody titers in the control groups were significantly lower (P < 0.005) when compared to the distemper group. Complement-fixing antimyelin antibodies were also demonstrated in gnotobiotic dogs with experimentally induced distemper virus-associated demyelination. The antibody response could be correlated with clinicopathological features of the disease produced. Results of this study indicate that demyelination in canine distemper may proceed by immune mechanisms.