Detection of immune complexes in experimental allergic neuritis.

Circulating immune complexes were assayed in the sera of animals with experimental allergic neuritis (EAN), and immunofluorescent staining and immunohistological examination were performed to clarify the role of immune complexes in the pathogenesis of EAN. The level of immune complexes in the sera of animals with clinical signs of EAN was from 1:32 to 1:64. Control animals showed a titer of immune complexes from 1:2 to 1:4. Animals with EAN showed deposition of immune complexes, which were detected by FITC-conjugated anti-rat IgG or C3-complement, in the vessels of the peripheral nerve. These findings suggest that immune complexes may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of EAN.