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Neuropediatrics 1999; 30(5): 239-242
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973497
Original articles

© Hippokrates Verlag GmbH Stuttgart

Apoptosis in Brain Biopsies of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Patients

B. Anlar1 , F. Söylemezoǧlu2 , B. Elibol5 , T. Dalkara5 , S. Aysun1 , G. Köse3 , D. Belen4 , K. Yalaz1
  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
  • 2Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
  • 3Department of Pediatric Neurology, SSK Ankara Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
  • 4Department of Neurosurgery, SSK Ankara Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
  • 5Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Publication Date:
12 March 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is associated with inflammatory infiltration, neuronal loss, and demyelination. The pathogenesis of these changes is unclear. We examined DNA fragmentation and Bcl-2 expression in brain biopsies of nineteen SSPE patients to investigate the role of apoptosis in tissue damage. DNA fragmentation was present in oligoden-droglia, and, in tissues with neuronal loss, in neurons. Reactive astrocytes had no DNA fragmentation, but strong Bcl-2 expression. These results suggest apoptosis as one of the mechanisms for oligodendroglial and neuronal death in SSPE.

Key words

Apoptosis - Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis - Measles