Abstract
It has been proposed that exposure to neurotoxic agents and the attendant neurodegeneration with the liberation of neural proteins can induce an autoimmune response measurable in blood. This immune response is characterized by the production of serum autoantibodies against nervous-system proteins and activation of lymphocytes. A review is presented of studies that have considered humoral assessment of neurotoxicity and autoimmune mechanisms. Among the subjects examined are: the interactions between nervous and immune systems, autoimmune responses and neurodegeneration, neurotoxic exposures and neuroimmune interactions, neuropathies and cellular antigens, the use of autoantibodies as markers of nervous-system injury, autoantibodies in humans and animals exposed to neurotoxic agents, the role of environmental factors in the production or augmentation of autoimmune responses, and autoimmune responses and the progression of neurotoxicity. The studies suggest a promising association between the appearance of autoantibody titers against nervous-system proteins and exposure to subclinical levels of known neurotoxicants.