FIGURE 3.

Loss of AQP4-positive astrocytes. Intact myelinated tissue bordering the lesion stains diffusely for AQP4 (astrocyte processes). Cell bodies of stellate reactive astrocytes in the intact border also stain normally for AQP4. The plaque itself is largely AQP4-negative. Degenerate AQP4-positive astrocytes are present at the edge of the plaque but are absent elsewhere. Arrows point to vessels inside the plaque that lack AQP4-positive astrocyte foot processes. The fine linear profiles towards the edge of the plaque are AQP4-positive capillaries. (Case 5, AQP4, ×60).