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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
Animal models of multiple sclerosis: the good, the bad and the bottom line
1Neuroinflammation Research Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. ransohr@ccf.org
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a spontaneous, acquired, inflammatory demyelinating disease of the human CNS. Because it involves a complex interaction between two of the most intricate biological systems, immune system and CNS, animal modeling has been critical for addressing MS pathogenesis. MS models were originally developed serendipitously more than 75 years ago. Immune-mediated, toxic, viral and genetic models of demyelination are now used to understand the manifold aspects of MS. MS treatments evolved in part from animal model research, and further progress is envisaged in large part because these systems have been continually refined and their use focused on questions whose relevance was established by studying the human disease.
Insights
Animal models are crucial for understanding multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disease. Continued refinement of these models promises further advancements in MS treatment and pathogenesis research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired, inflammatory demyelinating disease affecting the human central nervous system (CNS).
- MS pathogenesis involves complex interactions between the immune system and the CNS.
- Animal models have been instrumental in studying MS since their serendipitous development over 75 years ago.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of animal modeling in understanding multiple sclerosis pathogenesis.
- To review the evolution and types of animal models used for demyelination studies.
- To emphasize the contribution of animal models to MS treatment development.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current animal models for demyelination.
- Categorization of models including immune-mediated, toxic, viral, and genetic.
- Analysis of the impact of animal model research on MS treatment evolution.
Main Results:
- Various animal models (immune-mediated, toxic, viral, genetic) are utilized to study different facets of MS.
- MS treatments have historically benefited from animal model research.
- Ongoing refinement of animal models is expected to drive future progress in MS research.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are indispensable tools for unraveling the complexities of multiple sclerosis.
- The continuous improvement and focused application of these models are key to advancing MS knowledge and therapeutic strategies.
- Further progress in understanding and treating MS is anticipated through refined animal modeling approaches.
