Cuprizone and piperonyl butoxide, proposed inhibitors of T-cell function, attenuate experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in SJL mice

J Neuroimmunol. 2001 Oct 1;119(2):205-13. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5728(01)00394-0.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), are autoimmune demyelinating diseases with autoreactive T-cells acting as important mediators of pathogenesis. Cuprizone, a copper chelator, and piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a pesticide synergist, are implicated to inhibit T-cell activation and function. The purpose of this study was to assess whether either of these agents would suppress PLP-peptide-induced EAE in the SJL mouse. Indeed, treatment with cuprizone beginning 1 week prior to disease induction, and PBO administration from days 1 to 9 of EAE, significantly attenuated EAE clinical severity. Furthermore, both agents decreased blood CD4+/CD8+ ratios, and reduced signs of chronic graft vs. host disease (GVHD) indicating attenuation of an immune T-cell response. These results suggest that cuprizone and PBO suppress EAE and use of these agents will provide insights into the mechanisms of T-cell mediated diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-CD8 Ratio
  • Chelating Agents / pharmacology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cuprizone / pharmacology*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology*
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / mortality
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Pesticide Synergists / pharmacology*
  • Piperonyl Butoxide / pharmacology*
  • Survival Rate
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Pesticide Synergists
  • Cuprizone
  • Piperonyl Butoxide