Distribution of albumin nanoparticles in animals induced with the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune disease characterised by a disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), demyelination and a relevant inflammatory reaction with an intense infiltration of macrophages. These neurological disorders are similar to those observed in the multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. The use of different liposomes and adeno-associated virus has been proposed for improving the treatment of this pathogenesis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential and capacity of albumin nanoparticles to reach the central nervous system (CNS) in EAE-induced rats. For this purpose, the distribution of biotinylated nanoparticles within the CNS was studied. Albumin carriers were mainly found in the lumbar portion of the spinal cord, overlying the meningeal and perivascular areas. The optic chiasma, iris and the area of the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum revealed also an intense presence of these carriers. Finally, immunohistochemical studies also revealed that circulating macrophages (ED1), which migrate to damaged sites, and resident activated microglial cells (OX42) were involved in the distribution of albumin nanoparticles. In summary, the use of nanoparticles may be useful for the design of new pharmaceutical dosage forms able to target the lesions associated with alterations of the BBB.