HLA‐DR‐expressing cells and T‐lymphocytes in sural nerve biopsies

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Abstract
Thirty‐five sural nerve biopsies were stained immunohistochemically for HLA‐DR antigen. HLA‐DR was expressed on nonmyelinating Schwann cells, macrophages, vascular endothelium, and perineurium. By means of double immunofluorescence staining the identity of the HLA‐DR presenting structures was confirmed. HLA‐DR expression was found in all biopsies and thus was not restricted to any particular type of neuropathy. The HLA‐DR expression appeared to correlate with severity and activity of the neuropathy. HLA‐DR‐expressing macrophages wrapping myelinated fibers were prominent in primary demyelinating neuropathies. T‐cells were found in 6 out of 15 nerves examined. Their presence correlated with moderate to strong HLA‐DR expression of nonmyelinating Schwann cells, and they occurred during active disease.