Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that results in the progressive loss of neurological function through the destruction of the myelin in the central nervous system. The destruciton of myelin reduces and ultimately eliminates the ability of nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other that in turn robs the brain of its ability to function. Due to the broad based nature of the attack upon the immune system, almost all neurological symptoms can appear as part of the disease, including physical and cognitive disability, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders. Many victims of MS experience a relapsing-remitting form of the disease in which partial or complete recovery occurs between attacks. MS is generally thought to be a form of autoimmune disease, although no auto-antigen has been described, and many treatments for MS are drugs that suppress the immune system.

Animal Models of Multiple Sclerosis – Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis

Experimental allergic encephalomyletis can be induced in rats and mice in a MHC-II restricted way by immunizing with myelin, either from spinal cord homogenates, purified myelin proteins or in the form of peptides based on specific epitopes of myelin proteins. Once immunized with the appropriate peptide and adjuvants, animals develop either an acute episode of disease, or a chronic progressive form of the disease. The progression of the disease is evaluated and scored with a scoring scale that evaluates muscle tone in the tail and limbs.