T cell deficiency does not reduce lesions in mice produced by intracerebral injection of NMO-IgG and complement

We reported recently that intracerebral administration of NMO-IgG with human complement produces neuromyelitis optica (NMO) lesions in mice. We examined the role of T cells in the formation of NMO lesions by comparing brain histopathology in wildtype and nude mice. Brains were co-injected with IgG from NMO patients and human complement. At 24 h and 5 days, wildtype vs. nude mouse brains had comparable inflammation (CD45 immunoreactivity), loss of myelin (Luxol Fast Blue staining) and loss of AQP4 immunoreactivity. We conclude that T cells are not required for the formation of NMO lesions in this mouse model.