Aim: To explore the therapeutic effect of Fasudil and its possible mechanisms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, mainly focusing on the roles of microglia and astrocytes in the treatment.
Methods: Female adult C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MOG35-55 to induce chronic EAE. Fasudil was injected on day 3 p.i. (early Fasudil treatment), or at the onset of EAE (late Fasudil treatment). Normal saline was injected in other mice as EAE controls in a similar manner. Clinical score and body mass were recorded every other day. The expressions of iNOS on microglia and p-NF-κB/p65 on astrocytes were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in spinal cord homogenate were determined by ELISA.
Results: Fasudil delayed onset and ameliorated the severity of EAE. Fasudil inhibited the expression of iNOS on microglia and p-NF-κB/p65 on astrocytes in spinal cords, accompanied by the inhibition of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α.
Conclusion: Fasudil exhibits therapeutic effect on EAE, possibly through inhibiting inflammatory molecules on microglia and astrocyte.