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Experimental models of neuroprotection relevant to multiple sclerosis

From the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Alberta (Drs. Yong, Xue, and Metz), Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton (Dr. Giuliani), Alberta, Canada; and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, and the Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Dr. Bar-Or), Canada.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. V. Wee Yong, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1 Canadavyong{at}ucalgary.ca

Activated T cells, particularly those of the T-helper (Th) 1 subset, have the capacity to kill neurons. Strategies for preventing such damage may include deviation of activated T cells into the Th2 subset (e.g., via use of glatiramer acetate), alteration of functional properties of Th1 cells (e.g., through use of interferon [INF]-ß or IV immunoglobulin), and inhibition of activated cell migration into the CNS (e.g., by employing INF-ß or natalizumab). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) also causes neuron death in neurotoxicity models, and examination of medications with MMP inhibitory activity indicates that minocycline is capable of preventing such damage. Minocycline also has other properties relevant to conferring neuroprotection, such as inhibition of microglial activity and apoptosis pathways. In a small pilot study in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, minocycline treatment produced favorable outcomes in terms of gadolinium-enhancing lesions and clinical course. Further studies are needed to establish whether experimental neuroprotection strategies involving these mechanisms may be translated into preventing neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis.

This supplement was supported by an educational grant from Teva Neuroscience. BioScience Communications contributed to the editorial refinement of this article and to the production of this supplement. Authors may have accepted honoraria for their supplement contributions.

Disclosure:. V.W.Y. has consulted for Teva Neuroscience, Serono, Berlex, Osprey Pharmaceuticals, Paratek, and Novartis. The other authors have nothing to disclose.

Neurology supplements are not peer-reviewed. Information contained in Neurology supplements represents the opinions of the authors and is not endorsed by nor does it reflect the views of the American Academy of Neurology, Editorial Board, Editor-in-Chief, or Associate Editors of Neurology.

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