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Inhibition of autoimmune encephalomyelitis by a tetracycline
Author(s) -
Popovic Natalija,
Schubart Anna,
Goetz Brian D.,
Zhang SuChun,
Linington Chris,
Duncan Ian D.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.10092
Subject(s) - minocycline , multiple sclerosis , experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis , medicine , encephalomyelitis , immunology , neuroprotection , immune system , inflammation , disease , pharmacology , antibiotics , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
We have explored the use of minocycline, a tetracycline with antiinflammatory properties, to treat chronic relapsing‐remitting experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Therapeutic treatment with minocycline dramatically suppresses ongoing disease activity and limits disease progression. Disease suppression is associated with immune deviation in the periphery and with suppression of the inflammatory cascade in the central nervous system. This association is demonstrated by inhibition of microglial activation and metalloproteinase‐2 expression, which results in a concomitant decrease in inflammation and demyelination. As an established antiinflammatory drug with neuroprotective properties, minocycline may provide a novel therapeutic agent for relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis.