Norbert W. Lutz1, Carla Fernandez2, Jean-Franois Plissier2, Patrick J. Cozzone1, Evelyne Braud2
1CRMBM UMR CNRS 6612, Universit Aix-Marseille, Facult de Mdecine, Marseille, France; 2CRO2 UMR INSERM 911, Universit Aix-Marseille, Facult de Mdecine, Marseille, France
This metabolomic study contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of Multiple Sclerosis. Effects of EAE-inducing agents, Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and Spinal-Cord Homogenate (SC-H), were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy of rat brain extracts. In both CFA and CFA/SC-H-treated groups the phospholipid content, in particular ethanolamine-containing phospholipids, and glycolysis were increased. Among the osmolytes studied, NAA and taurine were decreased, but not the astrocyte marker, myo-inositol. Histological results suggest the possibility of neuron shrinkage and mild gliosis underlying these metabolic changes, but stress effects are also to be considered.