The Protective Effect Of Nimodipine On Axonal Injury In An Experimental Model Of Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: To study the protective effect of the caldium channel block agent, Nimodipine on axonal injury in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and to provide a new effective way in treatinment of MS.Methods: Fifty female Wistar rats, 160-200g, were divided randomly into three groups: normal group; MS group and therapetic group, EAE model was induced in MS group and therapetic group. The neurological deficit was assessed before therapy, 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th day after therapy. The NF immunchistochemistry, myelin histochemistry and HE dyeing were performed before therapy, 14^th day and 28th day after therapy. The axon numbers, myelin loss and the number of inflammatory focus were detected in the dorsal column of spinal cord. Results: (1) Before therapy, the number of NF positive axons, myelin loss and the number of inflammatory focus in MS group were similar with the therapetic group, (2) On the 7^th, 14^th, 21^st, 28^th day after therapy, the improvement of neurological deficit of the therapetic group was significant as compared...