Nimodipine fosters remyelination in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis and induces microglia-specific apoptosis.

ABSTRACT: Despite continuous interest in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, there is still a lack of neuroprotective strategies, because the main focus has remained on modulating the immune response. Here we performed in-depth analysis of neurodegeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and in in vitro studies regarding the effect of the well-established L-type calcium channel antagonist nimodipine. Nimodipine treatment attenuated clinical EAE and spinal cord degeneration and promoted remyelination. Surprisingly, we observed calcium channel-independent effects on microglia, resulting in apoptosis. These effects were cell-type specific and irrespective of microglia polarization. Apoptosis was accompanied by decreased levels of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in c

SUBMITTER: Schampel A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5402421 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature