Validation of a rabbit model of neuropathy induced by immunization with gangliosides

The induction of neurological signs by immunization of rabbits with gangliosides has been a controversial topic for many years. Recently, Yuki et al. [N. Yuki, M. Yamada, M. Koga, M. Odaka, K. Susuki, Y. Tagawa, et al. Animal model of axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome induced by sensitization with GM1 ganglioside. Ann Neurol 2001;49:712-720.] described an immunization protocol, including keyhole lympet hemocyanin in addition to ganglioside that induced a neurological disease resembling human Guillain-Barré syndrome. We employed this protocol in our laboratory and succeeded in reproducing the disease. Five different experiments were performed during a period of two years by different operators, using different batches of drugs, in a total of 26 rabbits. Despite minor variations in onset time and severity of the induced disease, the model proved to be reproducible. Both gangliosides and keyhole limpet hemocyanin are required for induction of disease.