title: Behavioral testing strategies in a localized animal model of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: To assess neurological impairments quantitatively in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), we have used a targeted model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which leads to the formation of anatomically defined lesions in the spinal cord. Deficits in the hindlimb locomotion are therefore well defined and highly reproducible, in contrast to the situation in generalized EAE with disseminated lesions. Behavioral tests for hindlimb sensorimotor functions, originally established for traumatic spinal cord injury, revealed temporary or persistent deficits in open field locomotion, the grid walk, the narrow beam and the measurement of the foot exorotation angle. Such refined behavioral testing in EAE will be crucial for the analysis of new therapeutic approaches for MS that seek to improve or prevent neurological impairment.
authors.affiliation: Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich and Department Biology Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Bigna S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Buddeberg
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerschensteiner
authors.forename: Doron
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Merkler
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stadelmann
authors.forename: Martin E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Schwab
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D053331:Ectodysplasins; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D018992:Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein; D063308:Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D053331:Ectodysplasins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C571328:Mog protein, rat; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D018992:Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein; D063308:Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein