GEMSP exerts a myelin-protecting role in the rat optic nerve. (November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mangas, Arturo; Vecino, Elena; David Rodríguez, F; Geffard, Michel; Coveñas, Rafael
• Is Part Of: Neurological research. Volume 35:Number 9(2013)
• Page Start: 903
• Page End: 911
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Subjects: Demyelination -- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) -- Multiple sclerosis (MS) -- Optic nerve; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1179/1743132813Y.0000000233
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-6412

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in rats to evaluate the potential protective effect of GEMSP, a mixture made up of fatty acids (FA), vitamins, and amino acids or their derivatives, linked to Poly-L-Lysine, on the myelin sheath of the optic nerve. Methods: To evaluate the effects of GEMSP on the optic nerve, animals were divided into three experimental groups: (1) EAE rats treated with GEMSP; (2) EAE rats treated with 0·9% NaCl; and (3) control, non-EAE rats. Using electron microscopy, we investigated the possibility that this new drug candidate has a myelin-protective role. Results: A marginally significant reduction in the thickness of the myelin around optic nerve medium-size axons (diameter between 0·8–1·3 μm) was found in EAE rats. Treatment of EAE rats with GEMSP ameliorated myelin damage. Significantly increased myelin thickness was found when animals in groups 2 and 3 were compared. However, the number of myelinated axons studied was not altered in groups 1 or 2 when compared to controls. Discussion: Our results suggest that in a model of demyelination, GEMSP protects and enhances the formation of the myelin sheath of the optic nerve and therefore could be a potential drug candidate to reduce optic nerve pathogenesis in multiple sclerosis (MS).