Cerebellar antibodies in post-stroke sera of acute ischemic stroke patients

Abstract

Background and purpose – Although serum anti-neuronal antibodies are found in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, it is not completely clear whether they are already present before the cerebrovascular event or emerge thereafter. Methods – Sera of 21 consecutive firstever AIS patients were collected within the first day of AIS (baseline), as well as 1 and 6 months after AIS. Well-characterized and novel anti-neuronal antibodies were investigated by cell-based assays, immunoblotting and indirect immunohistochemistry. Results – None of the AIS sera collected at different time points showed well-characterized antibodies. In 7 patients, 1- and 6-month sera (but not baseline sera) showed IgG mostly reacting with soma and dendrites of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Antibody-positive patients did not differ in terms of clinical and etiological features. Conclusion – Our results provide evidence for the antibody-triggering action of AIS. Although anti-cerebellar antibodies are not associated with the severity of stroke, they may potentially contribute to chronic poststroke complications and disability.