Findings from transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry reveal an autoimmune disease targeting brainstem inhibitory interneurons in bovine spastic paresis

Bovine spastic paresis (BSP) is a progressive neuromuscular disease of unknown origin that causes persistent stiffness of the hind limbs. The symptoms are similar to those of human motor neuron diseases such as primary (PLS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We found a link between pathological processes in the brainstem and BSP. This was indicated by a reduction in inhibitory neurotransmitters and an increased infiltration/activation of immune cells. There was no evidence that the spinal cord or peripheral nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of BSP. However, upregulation of OOSP2 was found in all neuromuscular tissues of animals affected by BSP.