Induction of chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in Biozzi mice

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in Biozzi AB/H (antibody high) mice by sensitization with spinal cord homogenate in adjuvant. Biozzi AB/H mice were highly susceptible to EAE induction and followed a chronic relapsing pattern of disease. Disease episodes were characterized by mononuclear infiltration of the central nervous system, with demyelination being particularly evident in relapse. The cellular infiltrates, which were associated with immunoglobulin deposition, consisted of macrophages and primarily CD4-positive T lymphocytes. However, similarly treated Biozzi AB/L (antibody low) mice were markedly less susceptible to EAE induction than AB/H mice. Thus, Biozzi mice should prove valuable for the study of chronic relapsing EAE.