[Effect of Fasudil on miroglia and astrocytes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice]

To explore the therapeutic effect of Fasudil and its possible mechanisms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, mainly focusing on the roles of microglia and astrocytes in the treatment.

Female adult C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MOG35-55 to induce chronic EAE. Fasudil was injected on day 3 p.i. (early Fasudil treatment), or at the onset of EAE (late Fasudil treatment). Normal saline was injected in other mice as EAE controls in a similar manner. Clinical score and body mass were recorded every other day. The expressions of iNOS on microglia and p-NF-κB/p65 on astrocytes were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in spinal cord homogenate were determined by ELISA.

Fasudil delayed onset and ameliorated the severity of EAE. Fasudil inhibited the expression of iNOS on microglia and p-NF-κB/p65 on astrocytes in spinal cords, accompanied by the inhibition of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α.

Fasudil exhibits therapeutic effect on EAE, possibly through inhibiting inflammatory molecules on microglia and astrocyte.