Antibodies to aquaporin-4

Aquaporin 4 is a membrane protein involved in the transport of water. It is found in astroglial cells, ependymal cells and osmoreceptor regions of the brain, in addition, in the retina, tubules of the collecting ducts of the kidney and skeletal muscle fibers. Antibodies against aquaporin 4 (a-AQP4) are formed peripherally and, after combining with the antigen in the central nervous system, they cause demyelination and death of astrocytes. Anti-AQP4 antibodies are found in 60-70% of patients with Devic Syndrome, an inflammation of the of the optic nerves and spinal cord. In its early stages, the syndrome This syndrome can resemble multiple sclerosis. Determination of antibodies against aquaporin 4 a diagnostic significance in the diagnosis of the disease.