title: Strain-related effects of fenbendazole treatment on murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
abstract: Parasitic infections are a concern in animal facilities, in view of their influence on physiological processes and the immune status of animals. Pinworms are effectively controlled with the anthelminthic fenbendazole (FBZ, [5-(phenylthio)-1H-benzamidazol-2-yl]carbamic acid methyl ester; C(15)H(13)N(3)O(2)S); however, questions remain as to whether prolonged FBZ exposure alters the disease course in specific experimental models, such as those pertaining to the immune system. We report that a three-month regimen of FBZ-medicated feed severely affected the onset and disease severity of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a disease that mimics multiple sclerosis. Differences were recorded between mouse strains used. Our data suggest that where the use of FBZ is mandatory, its full effect should be verified on the particular EAE variant adopted by the laboratory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ramp
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Orian
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017229:Enterobiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004757:Enterobius / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D005273:Fenbendazole / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D005273:Fenbendazole