Elevated serum [Met(5)]-enkephalin levels correlate with improved clinical and behavioral outcomes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Elevated serum [Met(5)]-enkephalin levels correlate with improved clinical and behavioral outcomes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Brain Res Bull. 2017 Jun 21;: Authors: Ludwig MD, Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ Abstract Methionine enkephalin ([Met(5)]-enkephalin, Opioid growth factor (OGF)) is a small neuropeptide with growth-related as well as immunomodulatory properties. OGF is distributed widely throughout the body, is both autocrine and paracrine produced, and has a very short half-life in serum. In addition to its neurotransmitter functions, OGF inhibits cell replication of a wide variety of cells involved in the autoimmune process. In this preclinical study, mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocytic glycoprotein (MOG35-55) to establish a chronic progressive form of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and serum enkephalin levels were assessed throughout the disease as well as in response to OGF therapy in order to determine whether OGF may be a biological marker for EAE and multiple sclerosis. Immunized mice were randomly assigned to groups receiving daily 10mg/kg OGF (n=24) or saline (n=25) beginning at the time of established disease and clinical behavior. Open field activity, rearing, forced swimming, and novel object tests were monitored. Serum levels of peptide were measured prior to immunization, before clinical symptoms were observed, and at the onset and peak period of disease. Spinal cord neuropathology w...
Source: Brain Research Bulletin - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Brain Res Bull Source Type: research