The Effect of Oxygen Treatment in the EAE Mouse Model

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong disease that affects over two million people worldwide. MS disease has been linked to inflammation, which results in an autoimmune response. This can result in symptoms that drastically reduce the quality of life and independence of people with this disease. Symptoms can include vision problems, cognitive decline, fatigue, and difficulties with physical movement. Hypoxia has been reported in some people living with MS. This condition occurs when oxygen levels are relatively low and might negatively affect brain function. Hypoxia can worsen inflammation, leading to a vicious cycle of damage. This study highlighted the potential of MRI techniques such as ASL, T2*, and QSM to evaluate the effects of NBOT on MS and emphasize the importance of clinical scores in evaluating the effects of treatments on MS. This thesis employed a 6-hour duration of normobaric (100%) oxygen treatment (NBOT) for 5 days and investigated its effect on cerebral blood flow, hypoxia markers, and disease clinical score in the EAE MS mouse model using an in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging and open-field test. A 15-point clinical grading scale was used to track disability progressions. While NBOT didn’t improve CBF and hypoxia, the clinical score was significantly improved in the treated EAE. This is promising and needs further investigation. This study suggests that NBOT may positively affect clinical scores in the EAE. This is consistent with previous research that demonstrated the effects of NBOT in reducing neurological deficits in the EAE spinal cord. The study also added to the growing body of research on the use of MRI techniques in brain disorders. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal treatment approach. evaluate the effects of NBOT on MS. It emphasized the importance of clinical scores in evaluating the effects of treatments on MS. The results of this study may have implications for developing new treatments for MS and other neurological conditions.