Chronic exercise confers neuroprotection in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the CNS, resulting in accumulated loss of cognitive, sensory, and motor function. This study evaluates the neuropathological effects of voluntary exercise in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Two groups of C57BL/6J mice were injected with an emulsion containing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and then randomized to housing with a running wheel or a locked wheel. Exercising EAE mice exhibited a less severe neurological disease score and later onset of disease compared with sedentary EAE animals. Immune cell infiltration and demyelination in the ventral white matter tracts of the lumbar spinal cord were significantly reduced in the EAE exercise group compared with sedentary EAE animals. Neurofilament immunolabeling in the ventral pyramidal and extrapyramidal motor tracts displayed a more random distribution of axons and an apparent loss of smaller diameter axons, with a greater loss of fluorescence immunolabeling in the sedentary EAE animals. In lamina IX gray matter regions of the lumbar spinal cord, sedentary animals with EAE displayed a greater loss of α‐motor neurons compared with EAE animals exposed to exercise. These findings provide evidence that voluntary exercise results in reduced and attenuated disability, reductions in autoimmune cell infiltration, and preservation of axons and motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord of mice with EAE. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Serum pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an experimental model of multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by demyelination, infiltration of inflammatory cells into the nervous system and dysregulation of serum inflammatory cytokines. We investigated the correlation of serum cytokines and other inflammatory markers with the EAE pathogenesis. After EAE induction, the levels of different serum cytokine/inflammatory mediators were measured. Furthermore, motor functions, myelination, and lymphocyte infiltration in EAE mice were also assessed. Our results revealed that the serum concentrations of T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-1α and prostaglandin E2 in EAE mice were significantly higher than controls. The ratios of pro- to anti-inflammatory cytokines were different between the EAE and the control group. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the IL-6/IL-10 ratio and the EAE severity, demyelination rate, and lymphocyte infiltration in EAE mice. Results indicate that the profiles of serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines might be useful as biomarkers for monitoring the pathological manifestation of EAE. Furthermore, evaluating the dynamic interplay of serum cytokine levels and the correlation with pathogenic mechanisms of EAE may provide diagnostic and therapeutic insights for MS and some other inflammatory disorders.     

Lesional accumulation of RhoA(+) cells in brains of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

Aim: Infiltration of autoantigen-specific T cells and monocytes into the central nervous system is essential for the development of both experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). RhoA is one of the best-known members of Rho GTPases, and inhibition of RhoA has been shown to attenuate the progression of EAE. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of RhoA in brains of EAE rats and MS tissue. Methods: EAE was induced by immunization with the synthetic peptide gpMBP68-84 in rats, and clinical severity was scored. RhoA expression pattern was investigated in brains of EAE rats at different time points and in different lesions of brain tissue specimens from six MS brains and five neuropathologically unaffected controls by immunohistochemistry. Methods: In EAE rat brains, accumulation of RhoA⁺ cells reached maximal levels around Day 13, correlating to the clinical severity of EAE, and up-regulation lasted until the recovery stage of the disease. Double-labelling experiments showed that the major cellular sources of RhoA were reactive macrophages/microglia. While RhoA⁺ cells in normal human brain parenchyma were rarely observed, RhoA expression was found to be spatially associated with MS lesions, showing a marked decrease from active lesions via chronic stages to its near absence in normal-appearing white matter. In addition, major RhoA⁺ cells in brain parenchyma of MS were identified to be activated macrophages/microglia. Conclusion: Our present data indicated that RhoA may play an important role during the effector phase of EAE and MS. Therefore, RhoA inhibitors might be a therapeutic option for MS patients.     

Variation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis scores in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common demyelinating central nervous system disease associated with progressive physical impairment. To study the mechanism underlying disease pathogenesis and develop potential treatments, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is often used as an animal model. EAE can be induced in various species by introducing specific antigens, which ultimately result in motor dysfunction. Although the severity of the paralysis is indicated using the EAE score, there is no standard scoring system for EAE signs, and there is variability between research groups with regard to the exact EAE scoring system utilized. Here, we describe the criteria used for EAE scoring systems in various laboratories and suggest combining EAE score with another quantitative index to evaluate paralysis, such as the traveled distance, with the goal of facilitating the study of the mechanisms and treatment of MS.     

Mice overexpressing Bcl-2 in their neurons are resistant to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by destruction of myelin. Recent studies have indicated that axonal damage is involved in the pathogenesis of the progressive disability of this disease. To study the role of axonal damage in the pathogenesis of MS-like disease induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), we compared experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice expressing the human bcl-2 gene exclusively in neurons under the control of the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter. Our study shows that, following EAE induction with pMOG 35-55, the WT mice developed significant clinical manifestations with complete hind-limb paralysis. In contrast, most of the NSE-bcl-2 mice (16/27) were completely resistant, whereas the others showed only mild clinical signs. Histological examination of CNS tissue sections showed multifocal areas of perivascular lymphohistiocytic inflammation with loss of myelin and axons in the WT mice, whereas only focal inflammation and minimal axonal damage were demonstrated in NSE-bcl-2 mice. No difference could be detected in the immune potency as indicated by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and T-cell proliferative responses to MOG. We also demonstrated that purified synaptosomes from the NSE-bcl-2 mice produce significantly lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following exposure to H₂0₂ and nitric oxide (NO) than WT mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the expression of the antiapoptotic gene, bcl-2, reduces axonal damage and attenuates the severity of MOG-induced EAE. Our results emphasize the importance of developing neuroprotective therapies, in addition to immune-specific approaches, for treatment of MS. D.O. and J.F.K. contributed equally.     

黄芩苷对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎大鼠髓鞘的保护作用

目的观察黄芩苷(BAC)对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)大鼠髓鞘的保护作用。方法将大鼠随机分为正常对照(NC)组、EAE组、地塞米松(DXM)组和BAC组。抗原免疫1周后分别予以DXM组和BAC组大鼠DXM和BAC治疗7d;观察免疫后14d各组动物发病情况、脊髓病理变化及髓鞘碱性蛋白(MBP)的表达。结果(1)EAE组、DXM组和BAC组大鼠于抗原免疫后8～10d发病,发病潜伏期分别为9.62d、11.0d、9.85d,DXM组较EAE组潜伏期显著延长(P<0.05),BAC组与EAE组间差异无统计学意义;各组发病率分别为75.0%、66.7%、80%,各组间差异无统计学意义。(2)病程中EAE组和DXM组质量较BAC组明显下降(均P<0.05);DXM组和BAC组神经功能评分明显优于EAE组(均P<0.05)。(3)与EAE组比较,DXM组脊髓病灶数明显减少(P<0.05),BAC组病灶数有所减少,但差异无统计学意义。(4)与EAE组比较,DXM组和BAC组脊髓MBP阳性数显著增多(均P<0.05)。结论BAC对缓解EAE大鼠的临床症状、减轻髓鞘脱失的作用与DXM相似,而没有质量降低的不良反应。     

多发性硬化/实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎中树突状细胞亚群的研究进展

树突状细胞（DC）与T细胞同为多发性硬化（MS）的主要责任细胞。DC与先天性和获得性免疫系统密切相关,并可促进或抑制髓鞘抗原特异性免疫反应。DC亚群是自身免疫反应结局的重要决定因素,但其组织特异性也可能与DC亚群的功能有关。因此,该文综述了近10年来的最新文献,深入了解DC亚群的表型、功能及其在多发性硬化症及其动物模型中的作用,有助于基于DC亚群设计免疫干预方案来治疗MS。     

Animal models of multiple sclerosis: Focus on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects more than two million people worldwide. Several animal models resemble MS pathology; the most employed are experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and toxin‐ and/or virus‐induced demyelination. In this review we will summarize our knowledge on the utility of different animal models in MS research. Although animal models cannot replicate the complexity and heterogeneity of the MS pathology, they have proved to be useful for the development of several drugs approved for treatment of MS patients. This review focuses on EAE because it represents both clinical and pathological features of MS. During the past decades, EAE has been effective in illuminating various pathological processes that occur during MS, including inflammation, CNS penetration, demyelination, axonopathy, and neuron loss mediated by immune cells.     

Suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by sulfasalazine

It has recently been suggested that the sulfidopeptide leukotriene C4 (LTC4), a 5-lipoxygenase product of the arachidonic acid metabolism and one of the most potent mediators of vascular permeability, might be involved in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Subsequently, 20 guinea pigs with EAE were treated with sulfasalazine, a substance with a proved leukotriene inhibiting effect, which has previously been described as exerting beneficial effects in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The sulfasalazine-treated guinea pigs showed a significantly better clinical outcome, as well as a significantly lower histological inflammation score compared with 19 controls.     

Validation of a novel biomarker for acute axonal injury in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

In multiple sclerosis, inflammatory axonal injury is a key pathological mechanism responsible for the development of progressive neurological dysfunction. The injured axon represents a therapeutic target in this disease; however, therapeutic trials of neuroprotective candidates will initially require preclinical testing in an animal model of inflammatory axonal injury and subsequently the development of a reliable paraclinical measure of axonal degeneration in humans. In the present study, we demonstrate the validity of serum phosphorylated neurofilament H (pNF-H) as a marker of axonal injury in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). At the time of maximum disease severity (EAE day 22), the average serum pNF-H level reached 5.7 ng/ml, correlating significantly with the EAE paraplegia score (r = 0.75, P < 0.001). On average, 40% of axons in the spinal cord were lost in EAE, and serum pNF-H levels were highly correlated with axon loss (r = 0.8, P < 0.001). Axonal injury was a severe and acute event, insofar as serum pNF-H levels were not significantly elevated at early (EAE day 12) or late (EAE days 35 and 50) disease time points. Our results demonstrate that acute inflammatory axonal injury is a pathological feature of murine MOG(35-55) EAE, indicating that this model may mirror the acute pathological events in active multiple sclerosis lesions. Furthermore, we have validated the serum pNF-H assay as an unbiased measurement of axonal injury in EAE, facilitating rapid screening of potential neuroprotective therapies in this model.     

一氧化氮供体对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎的作用

目的探讨一氧化氮供体3-吗啉-斯德酮亚胺(3-morpholinosydnonimine,SIN-1)对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,EAE)大鼠的作用。方法应用豚鼠髓鞘碱性蛋白68-86(myelin basic protein 68-86,MBP68-86)主动免疫制作EAE实验动物模型。将大鼠随机分为SIN-1组和对照组,SIN-1组大鼠于致敏后第0~7天给予SIN-1药物干预,动态观察两组大鼠的临床症状及体质量变化,致敏后第14天采用ELISA方法检测各组大鼠单个核细胞(mononuclear cells,MNC)培养上清中γ干扰素(IFN-γ)和白细胞介素-4(IL-4)水平,并观察大鼠脑组织病理变化。结果与对照组比较,SIN-1组大鼠发病时间延迟,恢复时间提前,体质量明显增加,临床症状明显减轻;疾病症状最高评分明显降低。SIN-1组大鼠MNC培养上清中IFN-γ水平为(90.29±9.07)pg/mL,较对照组的(121.57±10.44)pg/mL明显降低(P<0.05);IL-4水平为(18.14±3.98)pg/mL,较对照组的(8.14±1.95)pg/mL明显增加(P<0.05)。SIN-1组大鼠组织病理损伤较对照组明显减轻。结论一氧化氮供体SIN-1可抑制EAE大鼠病情发展,对EAE具有保护作用。     

Effects of Yishendaluo decoction on axonal degeneration, inflammatory reaction, and neurological function in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

BACKGROUND： Yishendaluo decoction reduces production of inflammatory mediators, relieves damage due to inflammatory reactions, and improves neural functions during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of Yishendaluo decoction on a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, neuropathological, and molecular biological animal study was performed at the Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Center for Neuroinformatics, General Hospital of Chinese PLA from 2005 to 2006. MATERIALS： Yishendaluo decoction pieces consisting of prepared rehmannia root, colla comus cervi, cape jasmine fruit, and grassleaf sweetflag rhizome were purchased from the Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Rabbit anti-mouse β-amyloid precursor protein and p38 polyclonal antibody （Zhongshan Goldenbridge Biotechnology, China）, as well interferon-y and interleukin-4 ELISA kit （Boster, China）, were used in this study. METHODS： A total of 96 healthy, female, SJL/J mice, aged 8 12 weeks, were equally and randomly assigned to normal, model, hormone, and Chinese medicine groups. A total of 0.2 mL antigen preparation, supplemented with 150 μg PLP 139-151 and 400 μg H37RA, was subcutaneously injected into the upper abdomen of mice from the model, hormone, and Chinese medicine groups. Mouse models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis were established by intravenous injection of 0.1 mL Bordetella pertussis solution containing 0.6 × 10^6 Bordetella pertussis at days 1 and 3. Mice from the model, Chinese medicine, and hormone groups were respectively subjected to 0.2 mL saline, 2 g/kg Yishendaluo decoction, and 0.078 mg/kg prednisone acetate, once daily for 14 consecutive days. Mice from the normal group were left intact. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Pathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and Luxol fast blue staining. Expression of β-amyloid precursor protein and p38 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. Levels of interferon-y and interleukin-4 were detected by ELISA. Behavioral changes were assessed in mice according to scores of neurological function. RESULTS： A few inflammatory cell infiltration, nerve fiber breakage and slight demyelination were detected in the central nervous system of mice from the Chinese medicine and hormone groups compared with the model group. Expression of β-amyloid precursor protein and p38 protein was significantly diminished in the central nervous system of mice from the Chinese medicine and hormone groups compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）, and the decrease was greatest in the Chinese medicine group. The decrease in mouse weight was not significant, and neurological function scores were less in the Chinese medicine and hormone groups compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. Interferon-y levels were significantly reduced （P 〈 0.01）, and interleukin-4 levels were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01） in the brains of the Chinese medicine and hormone groups, compared with the model group. CONCLUSION： Yishendaluo decoction improved neurological function in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by downregulating β-amyloid precursor protein expression, resistingaxonal degeneration, and relieving inflammatory reaction. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was regulated by inhibition of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway.     

Motor evoked potentials in a mouse model of chronic multiple sclerosis

We tested cortical motor evoked potentials (cMEPs) as a quantitative marker for in vivo monitoring of corticospinal tract damage in a murine multiple sclerosis model (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, EAE). The cMEPs, previously standardized in naive C57BL/6 developing and adult mice, were studied longitudinally in adult EAE mice. Central conduction times (CCTs) increased significantly shortly before the earliest clinical signs developed (10 days postimmunization, dpi), with peak delay in acute EAE (20-40 dpi). In clinically stable disease (80 dpi), CCTs did not increase further, but cMEP amplitude declined progressively, with complete loss in >80% of mice at 120 dpi. Increase in CCT correlated with presence of inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination in acute EAE, whereas small or absent cMEPs were associated with continuing axonal damage in clinically-stabilized disease and beyond (>80 dpi). These results demonstrate that cMEPs are a useful method for monitoring corticospinal tract function in chronic-progressive EAE, and provide insight into the pathological substrate of the condition.     

实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎的视神经病理改变

目的 研究实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)的视神经病理改变.方法 足垫皮下注射豚鼠脊髓匀浆和完全弗氏佐剂(CFA)混合物制作Wismr大鼠EAE模型,于发病后第6d将大鼠处死,取视神经、脑和脊髓,行HE和LFB染色,光镜和电镜下观察其病理改变.结果 病理检查发现EAE模型组大鼠脑、脊髓有不同程度的炎症反应和脱髓鞘改变;均有视神经病变,光镜主要表现为炎症反应和脱髓鞘,视神经髓鞘脱失重于炎症反应;电镜主要表现为髓鞘稀疏,少突胶质细胞数量减少、胞核固缩,其周围包裹的髓鞘板层松解,轴突髓鞘分离.结论 EAE大鼠存在明显的视神经病变,主要为视神经炎症反应和脱髓鞘改变.     

Th17细胞与多发性硬化/实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎

多发性硬化(multiple sclerosis,MS)及其理想动物模型实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,EAE)是主要累及中枢神经系统的自身免疫性疾病.     

Astrocyte disruption of neurovascular communication is linked to cortical damage in an animal model of multiple sclerosis

To elucidate mechanisms contributing to cortical pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS), we investigated neurovascular aberrations, in particular the association of astrocytes with cortical neurons and blood vessels, in mice induced with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction was evident by leakage of the tracer sodium fluorescein, along with reduced expression of claudin‐5 by endothelial cells and desmin by pericytes. Immunohistological and ultrastructural analyses revealed detachment of the astroglial cell bodies from the blood vessels and loss of their connections with both the blood vessels and the neuronal synapses. Furthermore, examination of individual astrocytic processes at cortical layer IV, where well‐defined neuronal columns (barrels) are linked to functional properties, revealed loss of astrocytic confinement to the functional neuronal boundaries. Thus, in contrast to the highly modulated patches of astrocyte processes in naïve mice overlapping the barrel cores, in EAE‐mice process distribution was uniform ignoring the barrel boundaries. These aberrations are attributed to the surrounding inflammation, indicated by T‐cells presence in the cortex as well as in the subcortical white matter and the meninges. Immunomodulatory treatment with glatiramer acetate partially abrogated the neurovascular damage. These combined findings indicate that under inflammatory conditions, activated perivascular astrocytes fail in neuro‐hemodynamic coupling, resulting in obstructed cross‐talk between the blood vessels and the neurons. We propose that loss of cortical astrocytic regulation and fine‐tuning between the blood supply and the neuronal needs contributes to the neurological impairment and cognitive decline occurring in EAE/MS as well as to the disease progression.     

黏附分子CD44在实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎中的作用

目的探讨黏附分子CD44在实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)发病中的作用。方法将20只大鼠随机分为正常对照组及EAE组,EAE组采用粗制髓鞘碱性蛋白(MBP)抗原注入大鼠后足掌皮下(0. 2 ml/100 g)制作EAE模型,观察大鼠的发病情况及病理表现;并采用免疫组织化学法检测两组大鼠脑组织CD44的含量。结果正常对照组大鼠未发病,EAE组大鼠均有不同程度的发病。HE染色后,光镜下观察,正常对照组大鼠脑和脊髓无异常; EAE组大鼠可见脑及脊髓实质内小血管充血,小静脉周围有大量炎性细胞浸润,血管周围白质脱髓鞘改变。免疫组化显示,正常对照组大鼠脑和脊髓组织未发现CD44阳性细胞; EAE组大鼠中枢神经系统(CNS)白质及灰白质交界处可见大量CD44阳性细胞。结论 EAE模型中存在黏附分子CD44的高表达,其对EAE的发病可能起到促进作用。     

Analysis of gene expression in MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis after treatment with a novel brain-penetrating antioxidant

Accumulating data from experimental studies indicate that oxidative stress has a major role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been suggested that local production of reactive oxygen species, probably by macrophages, mediates axonal damage in both MS patients and the mouse model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We have shown previously that our novel brain-penetrating antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine amide (AD4), reduces the clinical and pathological symptoms, including inflammation and axonal damage in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced chronic EAE in mice. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular mechanism by which AD4 exerts protection in MOG-induced EAE mice. Therefore, we analyzed gene-expression profile in the spinal cords of MOG-induced chronic EAE mice and compared them with MOG-induced mice treated with AD4, using a cDNA microarray. We found that MOG treatment up-regulated genes encoding growth factors, cytokines, death receptors, proteases, and myelin structure proteins, whereas MOG- and AD4-treated mice demonstrated gene expression profiles similar to that seen in na?ve healthy mice. In conclusion, our study shows that chronic AD4 administration suppresses the induction of various pathological pathways that play a role in EAE and probably in MS.     

黏附分子CD44在实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎中的作用

目的 探讨黏附分子CD44在实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎（EAE）发病中的作用。方法 将20只大鼠随机分为正常对照组及EAE组,EAE组采用粗制髓鞘碱性蛋白（MBP）抗原注入大鼠后足掌皮下（0.2 ml/100 g）制作EAE模型,观察大鼠的发病情况及病理表现;并采用免疫组织化学法检测两组大鼠脑组织CD44的含量。结果 正常对照组大鼠未发病,EAE组大鼠均有不同程度的发病。HE染色后,光镜下观察,正常对照组大鼠脑和脊髓无异常;EAE组大鼠可见脑及脊髓实质内小血管充血,小静脉周围有大量炎性细胞浸润,血管周围白质脱髓鞘改变。免疫组化显示,正常对照组大鼠脑和脊髓组织未发现CD44阳性细胞;EAE组大鼠中枢神经系统（CNS）白质及灰白质交界处可见大量CD44阳性细胞。结论 EAE模型中存在黏附分子CD44的高表达,其对EAE的发病可能起到促进作用。     

Ginsenoside Rd ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disabling autoimmune disease without an effective treatment in young adults. Ginsenoside Rd, extracted from Panax notoginseng, has multiple pharmacological effects and potential therapeutic applications in diseases of the central nervous system. In this study, we explore the efficacy of ginsenoside Rd in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an established model of MS. EAE was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55‐amino‐acid peptide. Ginsenoside Rd (10–80 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was intraperitoneally administered on the disease onset day, and the therapy persisted throughout the experiments. The dose of 40 mg/kg/day of ginsenoside Rd was selected as optimal. Ginsenoside Rd effectively ameliorated the clinical severity in EAE mice, reduced the permeability of the blood–brain barrier, regulated the secretion of interferon‐gamma and interleukin‐4, promoted the Th2 shift in vivo (cerebral cortex) and in vitro (splenocytes culture supernatants), and prevented the reduction in expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor in both cerebral cortex and lumbar spinal cord of EAE mice. This study establishes the potency of ginsenoside Rd in inhibiting the clinical course of EAE. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rd could be a promising agent for amelioration of neuroimmune dysfunction diseases such as MS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.