Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the guinea pig. Failure to suppress with crude human chorionic gonadotrophin.
A single intraperitoneal dose of 3000 IU of crude human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), of proven in vitro immunosuppressive activity, gave only marginal effect on the clinical and histopathological course of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in guinea pigs, which did not reach statistical significance. Treatment 7 and 11 days after immunization significantly reduced the Mantoux reaction concomitant with decreased perivascular inflammation, but with unaltered or (when treated at onset) slightly enhanced clinical disease, with in vitro lymphocyte reactivity increased in accord. Much earlier treatment gave the opposite effect of a marginal improvement. HCG in vitro immunosuppressive potency was dependent on its concentration, intensity of immune response and sequence of addition. While the action of HCG on EAE does not point to an effective therapy for multiple sclerosis, as suggested by the influence of pregnancy on this disease, non-HCG fractions of urine during pregnancy may yet contain highly efficacious immunosuppressants.
D000818:Animals; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D037102:Lectins; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D014374:Tuberculin Test
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D037102:Lectins