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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice and Evaluation of the Disease-dependent Distribution of Immune Cells in Various Tissues
Published on: May 8, 2016
Time-course changes in ectonucleotidase activities during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Irena Lavrnja1, Ivana Bjelobaba, Mirjana Stojiljkovic
1Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic" University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stevana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia. irenam@ibiss.bg.ac.yu
Extracellular enzymes CD39 and CD73 activity changed during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Enzyme activity alterations in blood serum and spinal cord suggest therapeutic potential for immune-mediated diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model for immune-mediated neurological diseases.
- Extracellular purine metabolism involves enzymes CD39 and CD73, which hydrolyze nucleotides like ATP, ADP, and AMP.
- Dysregulation of these enzymes is implicated in various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity of CD39 and CD73 in a rat model of EAE.
- To analyze the hydrolysis of ATP, ADP, and AMP in blood serum and spinal cord plasma membranes during EAE progression.
Main Methods:
- Rats were induced with EAE using CFA and spinal cord homogenate.
- Control groups received saline or CFA only.
- Enzyme activity (ATP, ADP, AMP hydrolysis) was measured in blood serum and spinal cord membranes at 8, 15, and 25 days post-induction.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in enzyme activity were observed at day 8.
- At the peak of EAE (day 15), a significant decrease in serum hydrolysis and a prominent increase in spinal cord membrane hydrolysis were noted.
- By day 25, although enzyme activity approached control levels, significant differences persisted, indicating ongoing modulation.
Conclusions:
- CD39 and CD73 activities are significantly modulated during EAE.
- Altered purine hydrolysis in serum and spinal cord suggests these enzymes play a role in EAE pathogenesis.
- Targeting CD39 and CD73 may offer novel therapeutic strategies for immune-mediated diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
