Takeshi Matsuoka 1,2 , Satoshi O.
Recurrent attacks of optic neuritis and myelitis are the hallmarks of both neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS). NMO immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG), which recognizes astrocytic aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels, is a specific serum autoantibody that distinguishes NMO from MS. The pathogenic role of the anti-AQP4 antibody (AQP4-Ab, NMO-IgG) in NMO has been speculated based on several studies in vitro.
OBJECTIVE: Severe inflammation and astrocyte loss with profound demyelination in spinal cord and optic nerves are typical pathological features of neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
