Myelin basic protein infused into cerebrospinal fluid suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

We have evaluated the antibody and the effector T-cell responses to a single cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infusion of myelin basic protein (MBP) in Lewis rats by measuring serum anti-MBP antibodies and clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), respectively. Some rats developed anti-MBP antibodies, but none manifested EAE in response to the primary infusion. Antibody responses to an EAE challenge 3 weeks after CSF infusion were normal, but clinical symptoms of EAE were markedly suppressed. Brain trauma at the time of MBP pretreatment enhanced this suppression. The CSF route of MBP administration is more effective in inducing suppression of EAE than peripheral routes.