Reaction of subventricular zone stem cells to the induction of experimental autoimmue encephalomyelitis in mouse

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease. In the present study, we investigated the response of subventricular zone (SVZ) adult stem cells in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, and also the differentiation fate of these stem cells. Methods: Mice were immunized with MOG peptide emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and pertussis toxin (PT). Control mice received CFA and PT. To study SVZ stem cells migration, mice received seven i.p. injections of BrdU at 2-h intervals on the day before EAE induction. Demyelination was studied using specific staining with luxol fast blue. The number of BrdU+ cells in SVZ and olfactory bulb (OB) was counted using immunohistochemical staining. To understand the fate of the stem cells, NG2 marker was used to detect oligodendrocyte precursors. Results: Lumbar spinal cord of EAE animals showed significant demyelination and the volume of demyelinated areas was increased on days 14 to 21 post lesion. In the EAE group, more Brdu+ cells were observed in the OB compared to the SVZ. The number of Brdu+/NG2 + cells in OB was significantly increased after EAE induction. Conclusion: The demyelinating context of EAE promotes the migration of SVZ stem cells to the OB. These cells mostly differentiate to oligodendrocyte precursors and may contribute to myelin repair.