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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Published on: September 21, 2021
Systemic inflammatory response reactivates immune-mediated lesions in rat brain
Sébastien Serres1, Daniel C Anthony, Yanyan Jiang
1Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom. sebastien.serres@rob.ox.ac.uk
Summary
Systemic infection can reactivate multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions by increasing blood flow and recruiting immune cells. This study used advanced imaging to reveal mechanisms behind MS lesion reactivation, offering insights for patient management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Infectious Disease Immunology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The link between microbial infections and multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion reactivation is unclear due to limited research models.
- Understanding this association is crucial for managing MS progression and monitoring patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of systemic inflammation on MS lesion activity using established animal models.
- To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying infection-induced MS lesion reactivation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models in rodents.
- Employed immunohistochemistry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, including glyconanoparticles for in vivo molecular detection.
- Monitored changes in regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV), magnetization transfer ratio, and water diffusion.
Main Results:
- Systemic endotoxin challenge increased rCBV and altered tissue water diffusion in MS lesions.
- Demonstrated new leukocyte recruitment into lesions via MRI tracking of labeled macrophages.
- Detected in vivo expression of E- and P-selectin in quiescent lesions, suggesting a mechanism for rapid cell recruitment.
Conclusions:
- Systemic infections can trigger reactivation of MS lesions, irrespective of the initial lesion cause.
- Findings provide a mechanistic explanation for how quiescent MS lesions become active.
- Implications for improved monitoring and therapeutic strategies in multiple sclerosis management.
