Induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the NIH minipig

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in the NIH minipi g to create a large animal model of multiple sclerosis with a well-characte rized immune system. Sixteen NIH minipigs were inoculated with minipig spin al cord homogenate (SCH). The clinical course was primarily monophasic, but re-induction was possible. CNS and blood lymphocytes specifically prolifer ated to SCH. Flow cytometry of CNS-isolated cells and SCH-stimulated PBMC r evealed a shift to CD4(+) CD8(+) cells. Pathology demonstrated demyelinatio n in the CNS white matter with perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates of CD3(+)CD4(+)CD45(-) lymphocytes with a subset CD8(+). Pathology and in vit ro SCH responses implicate a central role of CD4(+) lymphocytes in swine EA E. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.