Abstract
MS is a neurological autoimmune disorder affecting millions globally. Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well accepted animal model which is widely used to study MS. MS is characterized by CNS infiltration with immune cells and demyelination. PS are plant sterols which have been shown to have anti‐inflammatory properties. The objective of this project was to examine the effect of PS on EAE clinical score and identify a possible underlying mechanism. Mice were divided into PS and control groups, treated with PS or vehicle by gavage one week before disease induction and continue thereafter while maintained on a low PS diet. Mean clinical disease score (0–5) of PS treated mice was 0.33 versus 2.4 in control mice. Brain histological studies indicated significantly (p=0.007) less lymphocyte infiltration in PS treated mice. Immunohistochemical staining for macrophages/microglia, using F4/80 antibodies, indicated significantly (p=0.029) less infiltration in brains of PS treated mice. Demyelination was significantly (p=0.029) less in PS treated mice compared to controls. Cytokine analysis on brain tissue and splenocyte homogenate showed significant increase in IL‐10 and decrease in MCP‐1 in PS treated animals. It was concluded that PS reduces the clinical signs of the disease and this could be mediated by immune modulation. Supported by grants from NMSS and JFJ.Grant Funding Source: National Multiple Sclerosis Society and JFJ Foundations
Published Version
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