Demyelination and axonal injury in the experimental antiphospholipid syndrome factor V Leiden (eAPS-FVL) groups. Representative images from the area of the cortex in three groups: adjuvant immunized FVL control (FVL-control), heterozygous eAPS FVL (FVLQ/+-APS) and eAPS homozygous FVL (FVLQ/Q-APS) mice. Staining with (A–C) hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), showing mild infiltration in the meninges; (D–F) Luxol fast blue (LFB) to measure myelin density; and (G–I) Bielchowsky (BLS) to measure axon density. Quantitative data from all brain slices stained with (J) LFB and (K) BLS confirmed significant FVLQ-gen-dose-dependent white-matter neurodegenerative changes in the eAPS mice compared with the adjuvant-immunized controls. The axonal BLS stain showed that both eAPS-FVL groups had similar significant reductions in staining density, compatible with neurodegeneration. Original magnification × 20.
Katzav et al. BMC Medicine 2013 11:92 doi:10.1186/1741-7015-11-92