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Updated: May 1, 2026
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Infiltration in Central Nervous System during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: November 17, 2020
Satellite glial cells in dorsal root ganglia are activated in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Rebekah A Warwick1, Craig J Ledgerwood1, Talma Brenner2
1Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91240, Israel.
Abstract:
Pain is a serious and common problem with patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). Very little has been done to investigate the peripheral mechanisms of pain in MS. Here we used a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to investigate the possible contribution of satellite glial cells (SGCs) to pain in MS. EAE mice had reduced pain thresholds 10 days after disease induction. We examined dorsal root ganglia and found increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in SGCs, a marker of SGC activation, and increased coupling among SGCs, a known component of activated SGCs. Activated SGCs have previously been shown to contribute to pain in other classical neuropathic pain models, suggesting that pain in multiple sclerosis has a peripheral component.
Insights
Pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) may stem from peripheral mechanisms. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) in the dorsal root ganglia show activation in a mouse model, suggesting a role in MS-associated pain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently causes debilitating pain in patients.
- Peripheral mechanisms contributing to MS pain remain largely unexplored.
- Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are implicated in other neuropathic pain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of SGCs in the peripheral mechanisms of pain in multiple sclerosis.
- To examine SGC activation in a mouse model of MS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to mimic MS.
- Assessed pain thresholds in EAE mice at 10 days post-induction.
- Analyzed dorsal root ganglia for SGC activation markers and coupling.
Main Results:
- EAE mice exhibited significantly reduced pain thresholds compared to controls.
- Increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was observed in SGCs, indicating activation.
- Enhanced SGC coupling, a hallmark of activation, was detected in EAE mice.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest that activated SGCs contribute to peripheral pain in MS.
- This study highlights a potential therapeutic target for managing pain in multiple sclerosis patients.
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