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Motor evoked potentials in a mouse model of chronic multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Amadio Stefano,
Pluchino Stefano,
Brini Elena,
Morana Paolo,
Guerriero Roberta,
Boneschi Filippo Martinelli,
Comi Giancarlo,
Zaratin Paola,
Muzio Valeria,
Del Carro Ubaldo
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.20463
Subject(s) - multiple sclerosis , experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis , medicine , corticospinal tract , pathological , encephalomyelitis , pathology , central nervous system , immunology , neuroscience , magnetic resonance imaging , psychology , diffusion mri , radiology
We tested cortical motor evoked potentials (cMEPs) as a quantitative marker for in vivo monitoring of corticospinal tract damage in a murine multiple sclerosis model (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, EAE). The cMEPs, previously standardized in naive C57BL/6 developing and adult mice, were studied longitudinally in adult EAE mice. Central conduction times (CCTs) increased significantly shortly before the earliest clinical signs developed (10 days postimmunization, dpi), with peak delay in acute EAE (20–40 dpi). In clinically stable disease (80 dpi), CCTs did not increase further, but cMEP amplitude declined progressively, with complete loss in >80% of mice at 120 dpi. Increase in CCT correlated with presence of inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination in acute EAE, whereas small or absent cMEPs were associated with continuing axonal damage in clinically‐stabilized disease and beyond (>80 dpi). These results demonstrate that cMEPs are a useful method for monitoring corticospinal tract function in chronic‐progressive EAE, and provide insight into the pathological substrate of the condition. Muscle Nerve, 2006