Question

Comparison of EAE with MS shows the following: a. Both demonstrate monophasic, relapsing, and chronic progressive clinical courses b. Perivascular inflammation is common in both. c. Demyelination is diffuse throughout the brain in both. d. All of the above e. \(a\) \& b

Short answer

a. Both EAE and MS demonstrate monophasic, relapsing, and chronic progressive clinical courses b. Both EAE and MS exhibit perivascular inflammation c. Both EAE and MS have diffuse demyelination in the brain Answer choices: d. All of the above e. Only statements a and b Answer: d. All of the above

Step-by-step solution

Understand the comparison statements

Read all the given statements (a, b, c) and the answer choices (d, e) carefully, and understand their meaning. It will be helpful in comparing EAE and MS.

Analyze the clinical courses comparison

Statement a: Compare the clinical courses in EAE and MS, i.e., whether they both demonstrate monophasic, relapsing, and chronic progressive clinical courses. If this statement is true for both EAE and MS, consider it as a correct comparison.

Analyze the perivascular inflammation comparison

Statement b: Compare the presence of perivascular inflammation in both EAE and MS. If perivascular inflammation is common in both EAE and MS, consider this statement as a correct comparison.

Analyze the demyelination comparison

Statement c: Compare the demyelination in the brain in EAE and MS, i.e., whether it is diffuse throughout the brain in both conditions. If demyelination is diffuse in the brain in both EAE and MS, consider this statement as a correct comparison.

Choose the correct answer

Based on the analysis of the comparison statements, choose the answer that reflects the correct comparison: - Answer d: If statements a, b, and c are all true for both EAE and MS - Answer e: If only statements a and b are true for both EAE and MS, but statement c is not. The correct answer is: "d. All of the above" since all the comparison statements a, b, and c are true for both EAE and MS.

Key concepts

Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model widely used to study the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). EAE is induced in laboratory animals to mimic several clinical and pathological features of MS, including perivascular inflammation, demyelination, and neurological deficits.

Through EAE research, scientists gain valuable insights into MS mechanisms and the immune system's role in CNS disorders. The model's distinct clinical courses—monophasic, relapsing-remitting, and progressive—parallel the different types of MS observed in humans. These studies have led to the development of several therapies now used in MS treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation, demyelination, and neurological disability. In MS, the immune system wrongly attacks the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers, leading to disrupted neural communication. This condition can result in a range of symptoms, from numbness and weakness to severe physical and cognitive impairments.

The clinical progression of MS varies among individuals, manifesting as relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive forms. Understanding MS's complexities is essential for developing personalized treatment plans and improving patient outcomes.

Perivascular Inflammation

Perivascular inflammation is a hallmark of both EAE and MS, characterized by the presence of immune cells around the blood vessels in the CNS. This immune response leads to the activation of other inflammatory cells and substances, causing damage to the myelin sheath and axons. Perivascular cuffs composed of T cells, B cells, and macrophages are commonly observed in histological analyses of EAE and MS tissue.

These inflammatory infiltrates are critical for understanding disease progression, as they contribute to the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and further infiltration of immune cells into the CNS. Perivascular inflammation is thus a key target for therapeutic intervention in treating inflammatory CNS diseases.

Demyelination in the Brain

Demyelination in the brain is the loss of myelin sheath around neurons, which is central to the pathology of MS and is also simulated in the EAE model. In both conditions, demyelination is typically widespread and not confined to any single area of the brain. It can cause a variety of neurological problems, depending on the affected regions.

Signals travel slower or fail to transmit when myelin is damaged, leading to the diverse and unpredictable symptoms of MS. The study of demyelination in EAE models helps researchers to uncover mechanisms of myelin destruction and repair, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at remyelination and neuroprotection.