Abstract
In experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), circulating leukocytes enter the central nervous system (CNS) producing inflammation, myelin damage and paralysis. Prevention of leukocyte infiltration by an antibody against alpha 4 integrin suppressed clinical and pathological features of EAE in the guinea pig. Rapid clearance of leukocytes from the CNS and reversal of clinical findings were observed when anti-alpha 4 treatment was administered during active disease. Clinical improvement was accompanied by a marked decrease in abnormal pathological findings, including demyelination. Therefore anti-alpha 4 is an effective treatment of EAE and may be similarly useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacokinetics
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
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Brain / pathology
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Drug Administration Schedule
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / pathology
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / therapy*
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Female
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Freund's Adjuvant
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Guinea Pigs
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage
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Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
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Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
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Integrin alpha4
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Integrins / immunology*
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C / immunology
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology
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Spinal Cord / pathology
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Time Factors
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Tissue Distribution
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Immunoglobulin G
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Integrins
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Integrin alpha4
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Freund's Adjuvant