Immunoglobulin G and complement immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex of patients with Rasmussen’s encephalitis

Abstract

Focally distributed IgG- and C'-positive neurons were found to colocalize with activated astrocytes, suggesting focal IgG-dependent classical C' cascade pathway activation with attendant tissue damage in this subset of RE patients. Intraparenchymal C' activation triggered by pathogenic antibodies may contribute to the development of focal inflammation, neuronal cell loss, and pharmacoresistant seizures in some patients with this disease. This process may be an important component in the initial, active phase of RE.