Learning new tricks from an old dog: using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis to study comorbid symptoms in

Travis Musgrave1, Camille J Olechowski, Bradley J Kerr

  • 1Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, 8-120, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G-2G3, Canada. bradley.kerr@ualberta.ca.

Pain Management
|March 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system (CNS) disease. Animal models are now being used to explore comorbid conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression in MS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system (CNS) disease.
  • MS is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal injury.
  • Comorbid conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression affect a significant percentage of MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent findings on the use of animal models in studying MS comorbidities.
  • To highlight the utility of established animal models in addressing novel clinical questions related to MS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent research utilizing animal models of MS.
  • Analysis of studies investigating comorbid conditions in these models.

Main Results:

  • Animal models of MS are increasingly being employed to investigate associated conditions.
  • These models offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of MS comorbidities.
  • Established MS models remain relevant for exploring new clinical aspects of the disease.

Conclusions:

  • Animal models are crucial for understanding the complex interplay of MS and its comorbidities.
  • Further research using these models can lead to improved patient care and therapeutic strategies.
  • Despite their long history, MS animal models continue to yield significant and clinically relevant findings.