Animal Models of MS

THC and other cannabinoids have been shown (Baker et al. 2000) to improve both tremor and spasticity in a well-validated animal model of MS (experimental allergic encephalomyelitis). Antagonism of the CB j receptor aggravated these signs, indicating a role for endogenous cannabinoids in the control of tremor and spasticity. 

Additional evidence that links NO with MS can be found in the animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). iNOS mRNA has been detected in EAE rat brain tissue (Koprowski etal.,1993) and NO produced by inflammatory cells complexes with iron-sulfur proteins in spinal cords (reviewed by Merrill and Murphy, 1995). Also, Cross et al. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) 4. In rats with EAE, an animal model of multiple sclerosis, AEA and 2-AG levels are decreased in the striatum and midbrain. This might be associated with motor impairment 4. Inhibitors of degradation (both FAAH and cellular re-uptake)... 

Ellison GD, Eison MS. 1983. Continuous amphetamine intoxication An animal model of the acute psychotic episode. Psychol Med 13 751-761. 

The role of ac tivated microglia in neuronal survival during inflammatory conditions has been extensively studied in the models of experimental allergic/autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and in the animal model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (Antel and Owens, 1999 Becher etal., 2000 Biemacki etal., 2005 Jack et al., 2005). A rapid recruitment of blood-borne monocytes, an... 

In the 1980s, studies with EAE, an animal model mimicking MS, indicated that interferon y (IFN y) was effective in treating that disease and a trial was initiated to evaluate its potential benefit in human MS. Rather than showing efficacy, in 1987, use of IFNy as a therapy in MS patients caused an increase in clinical exacerbations and forced the clinical trial to terminate early (Panitch et al., 1987). Associated study of IFNy in 20 MS patients indicates increased concentrations of IFNy and TNFa precede the observation of clinical defects (Beck et al., 1988). An evaluation of primary RR-MS patient lymphocytes using flow cytometry supports a correlation between EDSS scores and IFNy secretion (Petereit et al, 2000). Intracellular cytokine immuno-staining of anti CD8-I- T cells reveals a correlation with IFNy and disease phase but not disease activity (Becher et al., 1999). What initially seemed efficacious in the EAE animal model, not only did not decrease MS symptoms but is now felt to be a marker of active inflammatory disease. 

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