Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis animal models for analyzing features of multiple sclerosis

Various animal models with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) ha ve been developed applying immunologic, virologic, toxic and traumatic para meters in order to understand features of multiple sclerosis (MS). The main simulating aspects of the EAE models and the precautions for their interpr etation in determining differences and common features between EAE and MS a re presented. In view of an early diagnosis of CNS lesions in human, we pre sent with particular interest the application of human-related technologies , such as MR imaging techniques, and the development of new markers to foll ow the dynamic of CNS lesions in vivo in EAE animal models. (C) 2000 Editio ns scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.