Gangliosides improve the outcome of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN)

The effect of gangliosides on the clinical expression of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN), a PNS counterpart of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), was tested in Lewis rats sensitized with bovine intradural root myelin in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). A mixture of bovine brain gangliosides (GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b) was injected intramuscularly at a daily dose of 20 mg per kg beginning 6 days post inoculation. The results show that GA treatment considerably reduces the incidence of mortality, delays its occurrence, and reduces the severity of clinical scores when either the whole population or survivors only are considered. Benefit from GA treatment appeared roughly proportional to disease severity. The neuronotrophic and anti-inflammatory effects possibly play a role in GA protecting effect.